Central Washington University Reviews

Check out reviews left by other students or leave your own review. You could win a free scholarship.

Lindsey from Eltopia, WA

07/20/2009

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 out of 16 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

Students who want to major in education or business should definitely attend Central. But remember, you WILL have to work at it.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved with your residence hall. Don't be afraid to meet new people and don't judge too early. College is a new experience and a chance to start over.

Bang for the buck

Tuition just went up 15%, so I guess we'll find out.

Am enjoying being here

I had so much more fun than I planned. I love living on campus and meeting people in my dorm. My boyfriend and I met at school. I really enjoy it. Plus, it is close to so many things because Ellensburg is in the middle of the state.

Am learning a lot

I've had some great teachers that keep me wanting to come back. However, since I was just a freshman, some of the classes seemed remedial.

Katherina from Tacoma, WA

Any type of student can get along here very well because of the great diversity here. It is a bit of a small town, so if you can't live without a mall near you than maybe consider somewhere else.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure to keep a lot of options open for what you want to do because there are a variety of things to do here and you might find yourself changing majors/minors a lot!

Bang for the buck

Tuition just got raised 15%, but it is still a very inexpensive school to go to. Otherwise, I think everything that is offered here should be worth way more than it is, but I love the low prices :)

Am enjoying being here

There is a great amount of activities to do here and also the SURC is full of a lot of campus activities. If you don't want to even leave your dorm one day, thats fine because in the lounge there is usually something fun to do also :)

Am learning a lot

The profs here are truly amazing and very understandable. They are very approachable and ready to help you study and learn. Also a wide variety of classes and foriegn languages you can choose from so make sure to keep an open mind!

J from Ellensburg, WA

Rodeo Club is one of the more high-profile clubs. Ellensburg is one of the stops on the rodeo circuit leading up to the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas.

Great for these types of students

If you find school difficult, you can probably do well here. Very good geospatial, geology, resource management, and music programs and would be a good undergrad stepping stone to get to a more prestigious school for an advanced degree.

Bang for the buck

If you are investing in academics, you can do better. If you are buying a degree, bingo.

What to do for fun

Drinking, hunting, snowmobiling (often combined by locals as a single event). Exercise. Xbox.

Food and Dining

The food is unremarkable and overpriced. I recant, the food is remarkably bland, high in calories and fat, and served by an army of uninitiated workers (students).

Dorm Life

I lived off campus and cannot attest to the quality of dorm life. The IT staff works hard to ensure students can hook up and play their console games.

Academic Rigor

Administration seems more concerned about student happiness than academic achievement. I transfered from a larger (25,000+ students) university where I worked very hard to get good grades and where overall I felt challenged to excel. At CWU, I could get good grades with little effort and felt like I had gone back to high school.

Tips for prospective students

If you find school challenging, you can get good grades here. Classes are more like high school than at larger schools. It could be described as a rural party school.

In three sentences

A fairly decent in-state school that is trying working hard to increase enrollment. State funding has been severely reduced, staff has been cut. A new $500,000 web site was built in-house and it shows.

Nikita from Saint Helens, OR

People who want the smaller-town experience, who want tons of major options, those who want a town with 4 completely different and distinct seasons without a lot of rain.

Tips for prospective students

Bring lots of warm clothes, snow boots, and a couple rolls of quarters! Because the campus is small, it's not that hard to get around, but make sure you know where you're going and give yourself plently of time to get there. There's also a greyhound bus station here! Make sure you buy the tickets three weeks ahead of time, because they're a lot cheaper that way. And make sure you go to things like the free on campus movies or hit the gym! It's a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Bang for the buck

Since I am an out of state student, it's a little more expensive than you would expect. But they do offer a Western Undergraduate Exchange Waiver (WUE) to most students who come from the northwest area (oregon, idaho, california, etc. There's more information about which states are covered on their website). This helped me out a lot. There are a lot of scholarships too, and you can apply for almost all of them with one application at the beginning of february. The cost is worth it though; the campus is beautiful and they have a lot to offer!

Am enjoying being here

I absolutely Love it up here. There's a lot of snow and ice in the winter and it gets really really cold but I've adapted pretty fast. Being from Oregon, we don't get a lot of that! The town is relatively small compared to some cities, but it's absolutely beautiful and not that far from Yakima and Seattle. But don't get me wrong, there's still a lot for you to do! The college itself has lots of events and options for students to choose from.

Am learning a lot

The professors here are really knowledgable, and I'm learning a lot in all of my classes. In University 101 (a class everyone is required to take), I'm learning a lot about the school and other classes they offer. Not only that, but I'm also learning a lot about being an adult and about being responsible for myself.

Taylor from Manchester, WA

CWU is great for students who enjoy the outdoors, enjoy the big university feel at a smaller university, need individualized help, and want a college experience that will be forever cherished.

Tips for prospective students

Be open to every experience! Get involved in your residence halls, clubs, activities, anything! Don't be afraid to be yourself and try new things; everyone is accepting here. Be sure to pack the appropriate weather too-it can be in the 100's or the 20's!

Bang for the buck

Well, everyone knows that college expenses are not fun! However, CWU definately provides the education and experience for your money! Whether you are into music and theater or hiking and fishing, there is always something to do here!

Am enjoying being here

The campus and town are absolutely amazing! The campus has a mix of old achitecture charm and technilogically advanced feel. The new Rec Center is unbelieveable with state of the art machines and the tallest climbing wall in the state! The food is not the typical school food, either. The town (although small) is amazing in every way; Ellensburg is so quaint and has so much to do for anyone and everyone!

Am learning a lot

I have not been in a SINGLE class that I have not learned so much from! Every professor I have had make class fun, interesting, and extremely enjoyable! My grades have been higher than they have have here at CWU.

Jazmyn from Kent, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

-Athletes -Students who love seasons :D -Students with an interest in Biology, Chemistry and other sciences

Tips for prospective students

-Make sure you stay in touch with your roommate over the summer, so you can coordinate your room, etc -Make a list of all the important things you need to buy for your dorm -Keep searching for scholarships and grants to help pave your way through paying for tuition!

Bang for the buck

While the cost of tuition at Central increased, it seems like you will still get your money's worth at this school. However, since I haven't attended yet, I can't exactly say for sure whether you will actually get everything that you hope to get out of the school.

Will enjoy being here

There seems to be a lot of things to do! The SURC is huge, with tens of thousands of square feet of gym equipment, rock climbing walls, and an indoor gym. You will hardly have trouble finding something to do if you get bored in your residence hall. And if you don't want to leave your dorm, the lounge is a great place to hang out with other residents to eat and play games.

Will learn a lot

I've already had the privilege of sitting in on a lecture on legal studies, and I was very impressed with how the professor carried on their discussion, and the level of intent that the students showed during the lecture. I'm very excited to sit in on other lectures once I get to Central.

Celeste from Snohomish, WA

Great for anyone who wants to learn, and anyone interested in business, education, music, performing arts, or aviation.

Tips for prospective students

Anyone striving for an education, business, music, performing arts, or aviation degree should come to Central. It is widely known for those departments. I am enrolled in the aviation program and I am enjoying it!

Bang for the buck

Central is a very underestimated school. Tuition is very inexpensive compared to the bigger universities, yet I feel that Central has one the best academic programs in the state. This school very much ensures that you are getting the most out of your classes and the most out of your time in college. There is ample opportunity to receive academic and financial help.

Am enjoying being here

Central Washington's campus is beautiful! You would think less of a little town like Ellensburg, however, it is indeed a wonderful place. I enjoy my time with my friends and my classroom time as well.

Am learning a lot

The professors genuinely care about students' education and are great teachers. I have not had a poor learning experience to date and I am a sophomore. I love the learning atmosphere at Central.

Daniel from Aberdeen, WA

Very low amounts of crime, it's a small town. Some of the cops are not so nice, some are super chill... sorta just luck of the draw there.

Greek Life

no greek organizations are recognized by the school, however there is at least one fraternity trying to gain a foothold and change that.

Clubs and Activities

Awesome Rugby club, ranked 2nd in the nation in rugby 7s and 6th in rugby 15s.

Great for these types of students

motivated students who know what they want and don't mind the fairly rural location.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

secrets

Bang for the buck

much cheaper than other state schools with both tuition and housing. I would recommend it.

What to do for fun

As mentioned before, not a lot of nightlife. there are 3-4 bars that a lot of the college crowd goes to, but other than that, pretty much the only things open past 11 are jack in the box and pita pit. There is a lot of excellent fishing close by, rafting on the yakima river is tons of fun, manastash ridge has some excellent trails, as does Umtanum falls. there is plenty of camping close by as well as climbing and hiking. The passes aren't far off for winter sport activities, and The on compus gear rental place (OPR - outdoor pursuits and rentals) is really convenient.

Food and Dining

Food is quite good. There are 3 main dining locations on campus and they all have their slight strengths and weakness but overall excellent food. There is good variety as well.

Dorm Life

I've never lived in the dorms here, but I have lived in the on campus apartments, which I would fully recommend. Student village is nice. I've been inside a lot of the dorms and you should definitely go for the new dorms that were built last year or the ones being finished now.

Academic Rigor

classes aren't too difficult as a whole, however some programs and instructors really lay it on. Geology, music and engineering come to mind. It's good to look at rate my prof.

Tips for prospective students

if you enjoy the outdoors you will love it here. there are lots of neat hikes and outdoor recreation opportunities. If possible, now what you want to do before you come and research that program's reputation.

In three sentences

A small school, friendly with some excellent programs. Not much of a nightlife, but sometimes you'll run into a professor or two at the bars which is always entertaining. The music program is top rated in the nation.

Jeffery from Hannah

07/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

It only takes 10 minutes to walk from one end of campus to the other. Being this small, it's very easy to keep safe even walking alone at night. There are also security boxes set up around campus, and a number you can call to have escorts take you home.

Greek Life

Besides one fraternity off campus (which hasn't been recognized by the school), there isn't a Greek system.

Clubs and Activities

There are literally hundreds of different clubs at CWU, and if you can't find one you want to join it's really easy to create your own. The campus also puts on a ton of activities throughout the year. Every other Monday you can go to the theatre and see a new movie for free.

Great for these types of students

Honestly the theatre program is one of the most tight-nit communities I've ever seen. Everybody is super friendly to each other, and yet there's still so much learning going on all around you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every year the local radio station throws a contest to Catch the Sasquatch! If you can find him on campus and bring him back to the station, you win two tickets to the Sasquatch Music Festival for that year!

Bang for the buck

All in all, it IS one of the cheapest 4-year colleges in Washington State (if not the cheapest, don't quote me on that though). Great campus, iffy food service, but a great community. An easy place to make life-long friends.

What to do for fun

The town is a great place to visit during any time. There's a place called People's Pond, ask around about it during nice days. The school puts on a lot of plays throughout the year, they are quite professional and fun to see.

Food and Dining

Come the end of each quarter, you will be out of money on your connection card and begging your friends to buy you meals. Also, the limited selection can get old quite fast.

Dorm Life

Really depends on where you live on campus. The more you pay, the better it is, and the less friends you will make. It's good to experience the worse-off dorms at least once.

Academic Rigor

To be honest, the courses aren't too demanding. Before you can tackle any classes in your major you have to complete some general classes like English 101 and Math.

Tips for prospective students

Don't just stay in your room all year, and don't be afraid to have a roommate that you don't know! He/she may end up being your best friend.

In three sentences

It's a beautiful campus when they don't have constant construction going on. Class sizes are small, never too crowded. Ellensburg is a great little town as well.

Haellie from Buckley, WA

11/04/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

2 out of 2 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

During my first week at Central, I attended many orientation classes that gave me a sense of safety and knowledge on how to protect myself in an array of different situations. There are 911 call buttons all around campus that give students a sense of securing knowing that help in a dangerous situation is only a button away. Also, the school has provided a number to all students in which security guards are available to walk students to and from buildings if they are feeling unsafe walking by themselves.

Great for these types of students

I've come to realize that Central is a great place for any student who is interested in the arts, getting a business degree, as well as any person who is involved in sports. We are a very spirited school and all have Wildcat pride! Anyone who enjoys being involved in special clubs would also find Central to be a great choice.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

I really love how Central is placed in such a small town. Some would think this is a bad aspect, but I have come to learn how well Central gets involved in the community by decorating for holiday's, participating in store discount days, our many parades and rodeos, as well as other countless activities. My favorite part of the campus is our seven story library full of educational recouses and helpful employees.

Bang for the buck

College life is expensive and just trying to get by is difficult for almost every student. But thanks to Central, they have made many ways in which to save money while having fun. Starting out at Central, I was mainly surprised by the great deal on dining for all meals being that each student living on campus gets a 65% discount on all purchases in Central's dining halls.

What to do for fun

There are many options around Central that a student could partake in for a little break from the books. These options include bowling, dining, movies, shopping, and of course, creating new friends. My favorite, however, is the many productions that Central, as well as the city of Ellensburg, provide for all college students including store discount nights, movie nights, sport activities, and many creative ways to get to know all fellow students.

Food and Dining

Along with dorm life, Central has exceeded my expectations when it comes to the food and dining options. I personally have many allergies so coming into college, I had many apprehensions as to how I would be able to obtain a healthy diet. They have a very wide range of options that could accompany anyone's health choices or personal preferences.

Dorm Life

I am currently living in a newly built building that has completely met my expectations and high standards. In my opinion, dorm life can either make or break one's college experience. Creating a comfortable and homey environment is definitely one of Central's strong suits.

Academic Rigor

There are definitely many great aspects of college and also many downsides. There are thousands of students who desire to achieve in school and obtain excellent grades, and a handful of students who just want to get by and live the stereotypical college life. Choosing which side of the fence one wants to be on is a critical decision.

Tips for prospective students

For any potential student, I would encourage them to make sure they really have the desire to further their education. If so, I would also encourage the idea of attending Central Washington University being that we are a school with great pride and value educational success. Attending college is a great step to take, but choosing to enroll at Central is an even greater step.

In three sentences

Through Central Washington University, there are thousands of students who have the potential for educational success. Because of this, and because of Central's great ability to contribute to the education of its students, I would give the school a ten out of ten. I've enjoyed every aspect of this school and am very proud to be a Wildcat!

Laura from Winlock, WA

This school is great for anyone, it's an education that isn't ridiculously expensive, the classes are small to medium sized, and you make so many great friends!

Tips for prospective students

Come to school with an open mind, an open heart, a yearning for knowledge, and the willingness to make friends. Get involed with the resident hall leadership and programs!

Bang for the buck

Tuition has gone up 15% which no one, including myself likes, but it is one of the cheaper public universities in Washington state.

Am enjoying being here

I could not even desribe my entire feelings towards being at this school. I love living in Ellensburg, it's not too big and not too small, it's a perfect transitional town. Everyone is generally friendly and go out of their way to smile or even greet you.

Am learning a lot

I absolutely love my classes and my professors. I am only a freshman, thus just beginning, but so far I have learned so much and can't wait to use it in my future career and life.

Ashley from Silverdale, WA

12/26/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Great for these types of students

If you want to be a teacher, Central has an amazing Education program. They actually have a sections in a couple of the Resident Halls that are for people who are considering a major in Education, I live in one of these communities and it has helped me to get involved in the community that I live in.

Tips for prospective students

Central is a great school. I have had so much fun since I've been there. Also, if you are ever having a problem, the staff on campus are amazing and they are always there to help you.

Bang for the buck

No matter what, college costs a lot of money. That being said, Central is a fairly inexpensive school and is completely worth the money.

Am enjoying being here

Central has a beautiful campus. I love the resident halls and Ellensburg is really nice but it is really small. Ellensburg is definitely a college town.

Am learning a lot

The teachers at Central are great. They are very supportive and want to help students learn. I have found that the course load is not extremely difficult, but it is not really easy. I feel like I am getting a really good education that is preparing me for my future. However, it is not so time consuming that I do not have a life outside of classes and school work.

Jose from Pasco, WA

09/28/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

Always talk to you about ways to stay safe and also have these poles all over campus that can alert 911 if your in danger and need help. All you need to do is press it and they will come in a mater of seconds.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Have a six week program for all incoming freshman tht involvs a bunch of fun events.

What to do for fun

I usually go work out in there gym or go to the events they always host in there ballroom or SURC.

Food and Dining

Centrals food here is amazing and delicious and every time you pay for a meal in their Holmes dinning you can always go back and get more food with no charge.

Dorm Life

The dorms here at central are really nice and big with a microwave and refrigerator all ready set in every room.

Academic Rigor

Everything is hard and difficult, but its still a great place to come to because of how the teachers here try and push you to what you want to do.

Tips for prospective students

If you like to be supported by programs or people then you should come to central Washington university. where everybody is nice and kind, while there is a lot of outdoor activity's to do.

In three sentences

CWU here in Ellensburg is a nice place with many different kinds of things happening here. I enjoy being here, not only because of all the nice people here but because of all the support i receive.

Jackie from Mount Vernon, WA

11/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
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Campus Safety

I always feel safe walking around campus at night time. It is all lighted, and cops patrol regularly. There are also panic buttons you can press in case of an emergency, and the cops will be there in 1 minute.

Greek Life

Central Washington University has no greek system.

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs and activities on campus for students to participate in. Anything you could think of, there is a club for it. For example sewing club, rodeo club, and sports club. If the school doesn't have a club you are interested in, you can create your own and even get funding for it!

Great for these types of students

Central is great for students who may not have been a 4.0 student in high school, but just an average student. The school is academic, but the professors make sure you understand what you are learning, They will do whatever it takes. It is also a good school for those that want to get our of the big city, and reside in a country town.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Our gym is amazing. It has a floating running track which is great for when it starts to snow. Students can keep warm and run inside!

Bang for the buck

So far, Central has been an experience that i will never forget. Although i do miss my family, being here is such a great time. And if you choose to go to CWU you will not regret it. Go wildcats!

What to do for fun

CWU being in a little country town, you have to get creative with keeping yourself entertained. There is a bowling alley, movie theatre, and ice cream shop all right by the school. The school also provides a bunch of fun activities for students every weekend.

Food and Dining

The food never gets old because there are so many options. There is something for every one.

Dorm Life

The dorms are awesome! Everyone forms together as a little family, and you meet so many nice people. Just make sure to put your self out there, and leave your door open so people can walk in and meet you!

Academic Rigor

Classes are difficult, but manageable. Stay organized, devote a lot of time to studying, and pay attention during class and you should be fine.

Tips for prospective students

Keep a planner. Assignments and tests do get a little hectic, but if you plan then it makes everything so much easier. Also, be open to meeting new people. You don't want to be the one that know one knows who lays in bed all day.

In three sentences

If you are considering Central Washington University, know that it is a wonderful school. It is a home away from home. The professors work with their students well, and every one is so welcoming and eager to meet you.

Jonathan from Seattle, WA

01/13/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

The school is great for people who like or need more individualized study programs. The classes are smaller than most universities and there are always people around to help. If you like being a person with a name instead of a number, this is the school for you.

Tips for prospective students

Save as much money as you can before leaving for school. You'd be amazed how fast it goes. Train yourself to study and complete projects before they are due, and don't be afraid to try new things once you get on campus.

Bang for the buck

Compared to other universities, I feel I am getting a great education and a lot of personal attention for the money.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy the size of the campus. It's given me an opportunity to meet a lot of great people and a chance to try new things.

Academic Rigor

Being away from home and living with all kinds of people makes you become stronger or miserable. CWU has taught me how to become more independent and has helped me make some good choices for my future.

Shannon from Redmond, WA

Anyone who wants an amazing college experience, make lifelong friends, and get a great education.

Tips for prospective students

Live in the resident's halls, this is a great way to meet people. Don't shy away because of the small town, there are actually a lot of fun things to do. Visit the school, you will be surprised at how beautiful the landscapes, buildings, and atmosphere is.

Bang for the buck

Tuition just went up 14%. Besides that though, everything is worth what you pay for.

Am enjoying being here

The people here are all friendly and easy to talk to. Living in the resident's halls makes meeting people easy. There are always activities happening all around campus. These include concerts, movies, theater performances, music performances, dances, programs in the resident's halls, and more!

Am learning a lot

The professors here are so nice. They are easy to talk to because of the small class sizes. It is easy to get in contact with the professors through email, calling, going to their office, etc. All the class sizes make it easy to ask questions in class which makes learning easier. The context of the classes are filled with information that all seem to go along with each other in certain classes.

Katie from Bothell, WA

10/11/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

For those that don't mind getting away from the city life, and enjoy the outdoors this is a perfect school for you. The campus is beautiful all year long. Sunny and hot in the summer and snow covered in the winter. For snowboarders and skiers there are several ski resorts only a half hours drive away. If you enjoy camping, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, or the like you do not have to travel far. But even for the city type, there are many shops, museums, and galleries in town to keep you feeling at home.

Tips for prospective students

Not to sounds cliché I have been at Central for 2 years and have loved every minute of it. For those planning on attending CWU, try and take advantage of the many programs, services, and activities that are offered. They are all very rewarding!

Bang for the buck

No matter where you go college is expensive, but here at Central you get the college experience, a large selection of classes, a large rec. center, swimming pool, and an outdoor pursuit rental available to the students, classes, housing, and food are all easy to get to, and there are many programs, clubs, and athletic teams that you can be involved in all for around a total of $9,000 full-time and living on campus. There are many free events (including free movie Mondays that show new releases), discounted trips. Aside from the social experience, there are also many educational experiences including the chimpanzee center, the many internships, field experience, and on-campus jobs that are available.

Am enjoying being here

I honestly love Central. I love the atmosphere, the weather, the campus, the programs, and the classes offered. I don't think I could have chosen a better school to attend.

Am learning a lot

There are several classes offered through the University. All the way from a circus P.E. class to Primate Studies. The class sizes are small enough that you get to know the professors and receive the help that you need.

Nicole from Sammamish, WA

10/30/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

If you aren't totally sold on greek life then Central is great. As much as people would like to say that Central is a total party school, it really isn't. It is located in a really small college town where everyone knows everyone. It is great if you can't focus in lecture halls, because Central just doesn't have them. Your biggest class might be 100 people, but that's at it's biggest. If you need to have a little more one on one with the teacher then it's great. All professors have office hours and they want you to take advantage of them and use them!

Tips for prospective students

Come take a tour. It sounds cheesy but definitely take a tour. Campus is big but not overwhelming. However once you see the campus itself you will definitely like the idea of going to school here even better. The campus is always kept clean and it's just a gorgeous place all time of the year.

Bang for the buck

There are tons of opportunities to stuff here on campus, for free. They have new movies every couple weeks in the theater. The campus events office is always putting on new events. This year alone we have had Frank Warren from PostSecret, Demetri Martin the comedian, movies like Get Him to the Greek, Iron Man 2, and Despicable Me. There are random bands that come in and perform in the SURC for free. But more than that, the classes themselves are great because you get one on one time with professors to learn more and the classes are smaller than a lot of universities. The buildings are all clean and nice, they are constantly remodeling buildings to keep them fresh and new. The SURC is just a few years old and that's where a lot of your time is spent. The music building is really new, the construction management building is under construction but will be brand new and great. Many of the residence halls have been remodeled within the last couple years.

Am enjoying being here

The students here are fantastic. They are all so down to earth and friendly. There is always someone to wave hi to as you are walking to class. The campus is a pretty tight community because it isn't huge so you actually get to know the professors, they get to know you by name, the people you live with are great and it's just an uplifting experience all together.

Am learning a lot

I am a music ed major and I am doing well in my classes, because I enjoy what I am taking. All of the professors want to see you succeed and will help you as much as possible. If you aren't doing well with a certain topic from class you are asked to go in and see them during office hours and talk with them. They love it and are so excited that you want to get help!

Lisette from Pullman, WA

Apply early, look at where you want to live so if you get accepted you can fill out your housing app right away and be done with it.

Bang for the buck

A little pricey, but isn't everywhere these days?

Am enjoying being here

I've made great friends here, the town is very nice, and we are very close to Seattle. The residence halls are a really great way to meet people. There are also a whole bunch of clubs that are very welcoming.

Am learning a lot

Most of the General Education requirements are review from what I did in High School, but many of the upper level classes are teaching me a lot of new things.

Taylor from Ellensburg, WA

If you want to major in any type of science, it will be difficult but very well worth the hard work. The STEP program is a great way to help you expand your knowledge in any tyoe of science.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for as many scholarships as you can, do procastinate, get involved with your school, do not room with a friend, get involved with your community, and have fun!!

Bang for the buck

Even though tuition keeps going up, i will do everything i can to keep going to this school.

Am enjoying being here

I still miss my family from time to time but i enjoy my time at the school. I always find something to do on campus whether if its watching a movie with some friends or a night out.

Am learning a lot

I have learned a lot from this school! I have learned a lot of information in class and through students on campus. I have learned to be on my own and to take care of myself. This school has taught me a lot!

CJ from Edmonds, WA

this college is great for mostly students involved in aviation, education, theatre, psychology, and science.

Tips for prospective students

pput in the work. parties are tempting but know your limit and please, for the love of god, do your homework.

Bang for the buck

obviously college is expensive, but there is a health center, a full gym, tons of free activities, and lots more.

Am enjoying being here

I enjoy being here. There is a small town not too far away from the college and Yakima is right up the street with a mall and other activities for you to do.

Academic Rigor

i have been taking classes here that i never thought i would take and i'm loving it! general education classes will get a little boring, but the sooner you get them done with, the sooner you can focus on your major.

LeAnn from Anacortes, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Tips for prospective students

1.) APPLY 2.) Get into their scholarships..they have a lot 3.) You'll really love it here!

Bang for the buck

I have to pay for college myself, so although I can't wait to attend, it'll get a 5 star rating when I really find out if all my money is worth it.

Will enjoy being here

I absolutely LOVE Central Washington University. It has a small town feel, and being a small town girl, that is very important for me.

Will learn a lot

I looked into the Douglas Honors College, and am waiting for their reply as of now. I also think without the Honors College, I will still learn a lot. I really enjoy the programs they offer, and they are one of the only schools to have graduate studies in Exercise Science, which is my intended major!

Malissa from Ellensburg, WA

Outdoorsy. Future teachers and music people. Great for longboarders. Great for people who have no idea what they want out of life and need time to ponder life.

Tips for prospective students

Go to class, even when its sunny. Pick the college that gives excitement in the pit of your stomach.

Bang for the buck

With tuition raises....ughhhh. The buck is getting to high for the bang.

Am enjoying being here

Oh Yeah! Its amazing here. The teachers, the students, the surrounding community, the weather, housing, good eat places, great programs everyday, awesome volunteer opportunities, and great place to ponder your existence. Its amazing:)

Am learning a lot

I am currently a freshman with no direction but thats ok because CWU is great place to dabble in everything to see if you like it. Classes may seem easy at first during general education requirements but I've learned so much still.

Andrew from Ellensburg, WA

Central is a great place for anyone. If you plan on majoring in music, construction management, or education then you definitely will want to attend Central.

Tips for prospective students

Save as much money as you can before college and apply for as many scholarships as often as you can. Tuition, books, and fees will drain the life out of your savings. If you have no idea what you want to major in, do not rush. Part of the college experience is figuring out what career you want to do. Finally, take a campus tour, it will give you a feel for the college and help you to make the best choice.

Bang for the buck

Although Central has a fairly low tuition rate, it has gone up 14% last year, and with almost complete certainty is going up another 14% this year. Even though the price is going up, the education is still worth it.

Am enjoying being here

There are a variety of students who attend Central. Most students come from Washington state and other parts of the U.S. But you will have the opportunity to meet students from Japan, China, the Middle East, and Europe.

Am learning a lot

The professors genuinely care if students are learning in their class. If a student needs additional help, the professor will recommend to the student to visit them during their office hours or go to a help center (where students help students with a variety of subjects ranging from Math to English). The General Education classes are mostly review, but they have taught me one thing. Just because it seems easy does not mean it should not be taken seriously.

Rouchelle from Dayton, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Great for these types of students

Any student that wants to learn and explore what they want to do to further their education.

Tips for prospective students

If I could give any tips it would be: 1. Apply early. 2. Apply for many scholarships. 3. Take a Campus Tour, It will help you decide if you will go. 4. Save money! 5. Remember that while you are at college you are suppose to be learning AND having fun. Choose somewhere you are sure you will fit in.

Bang for the buck

Even though tuition has gone up, Central is still not as expensive as other state colleges in Washington. Central is definitely worth the money.

Will enjoy being here

I will definitely enjoy my time there. There are many different programs that Central has for students to unwind and make new friends. There are rafting trips, camping, skiing, and other outdoor things. But there is also the movie nights, karaoke, and of course things planned by the RHA. I cannot wait. :)

Will learn a lot

I have been to the campus and recently had my orientation and just from that little time being there, I have learned somethings I didn't know before. I am quite sure I will be learning more as I progress and begin school at Central.

Kylie from Kelso, WA

Social students who love the outdoors or the quaintness of a small-town atmosphere.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in clubs early on! There are so many opportunities to explore at Central. Don't be afraid to take risks... oftentimes they result in lasting friendships.

Bang for the buck

The bang for the buck is definitely debatable as of late. The tuition increases are cringe-worthy, but if the quality of education is as great as it seems, it should be worth it. And there seem to be enough scholarships if you need them, so long as you apply for them!

Will enjoy being here

The campus is positively gorgeous! I'm honestly looking forward to braving the drastic changes in weather since my hometown is pretty much constant rain... It'll probably take awhile to adjust to dorm life, but I'm looking forward to the new experience. The main downside to it is that there didn't seem to be a lot of color in the dorm rooms at orientation, and I'm one for bright colors. But my roommate and I have collaborated and we have some plans for brightening our room up. That's aesthetics in any case. I plan on being so busy with classes, socializing, and clubs that they won't count for much. There's so much to involve myself in, I'm sure that I'll have a great time!

Academic Rigor

Undoubtedly there are a variety of courses to choose from at Central. While the prerequisites for incoming freshman can give you a somewhat limited approach to your initial course selection, for those who know what they want to major in, you can begin to study subjects relevant to your field right off the bat! Most of the teachers are conscientious and engaging, however, many of the required general education courses are remedial. I would strongly suggest transferring here with an associates degree to avoid them. But based strictly off of the structure of the courses and the quality of the educators, Central is brimming with the potential to provide its students with a quality education. It is also important to remember that the amount you learn from a courses depends entirely upon your point of view, and whether or not you are receptive to the professor's teaching style. Often a change in viewpoint can completely change how much you learn from a course.

Jordan-Michael from Bothell, WA

If you are into any sort of art (Theatre, Film, Paint, Dance etc.) CWU is the place to be

Tips for prospective students

Join a club or a team as soon as you can, it makes meeting and connecting with people quick and easy, especially the improv team.

Bang for the buck

College costs some cash, it is what it is, but at CWU you get a bit more than you pay for, mostly because of the people, no matter how much money you need to throw at a college to be there, if the professors and other students are boring, your money's useless, and in that department CWU gives you back WAAAAAAAAY more than you pay for.

Am enjoying being here

As soon as you know even a small group of people around campus (joining a club or team or just people in class) the fun begins. Most everyone around is extremely friendly and really the only way you can have a bad time at CWU if if YOU're the cause of it.

Am learning a lot

Like most other Colleges, CWU gives you what you put into it. Now, I don't know much about how the other majors work through CWU's systems, but as for Theatre Majors, all the professors are going to help you out as much as they can. The key thing about it is that you need to ASK them for your help, most of them will go to hell and back with you trying to help you out, and all you need to do is show them that you're ready to work.

Col'Lette from Ellensburg, WA

08/23/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Music, we are the top school in the west 13 states for music and the department is very competitive. Business, we are accredited by AACSB International--The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business which we are one of 53 schools world wide with this distinction. Education, we were founded upon making teachers and continue this today. If you ask around any school in Washington state where that teacher went for their undergraduate it was probably CWU. Anything else you want to do go here! We can make it work. We have the best basic classes state wide and if we don't offer our major, you can create it.

Tips for prospective students

Check the required classes need and sign up to take your SATs once maybe twice. Whether or not you make it in with automatic admission, write them a letter anyway and get recommendations early. The early you send everything in the better!

Bang for the buck

CWU is the cheapest state school in Washington. We have the lowest housing cost yet the highest dining costs (it evens itself out). We have nice facilities and great programs. Many put on by students.

Am enjoying being here

If I had chosen anywhere else to go, I probably would have transferred to Central. I enjoy the people, opportunities and the cold winters.

Am learning a lot

Here at Central, you're not just another person there generating revenue for the institution, you are somebody here. Faculty and staff care about whether or not you learn.

Tisa from Gig Harbor, WA

08/27/2011

Reviewer is A past student here.

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Great for these types of students

You definitely need to be okay with living in a small town and be able to make your own fun. This university is not in a big city and there are no amusement parks or clubs, etc. so you need to be able to have fun with touch football games, people meeting up to eat ice cream and actually being able to see the stars.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you are prepared for all weather! Some times its sunny and you are running around in shorts and a tank top, and some days you need five layers on just to not freeze on the way to class!

Bang for the buck

I would say this school is a bit too expensive, especially for residents.

Did enjoy being here

For the most part, I did enjoy this school. I personally dont really like the quarter system, and there is too much wind, but the rest was enjoyable. The gym was great, and the activities they offered were always fun. I felt very safe in Ellensburg and even though its a small town, there are so many adventures you can go on, there is always something to entertain you.

Did learn a lot

I had a difficult learning at this school, but partially that is because of how I learn the best. The quarter system does not seem to work as well for me because teachers try to cram so much information into a 50 minute class and going back everyday makes it seem like you never get a break. However, this school offers many interesting courses (at least in psychology and law and justice) that I have not seen at other universities. Most of my teachers were not only teachers but had real world experience in what they were teaching about. For example, I had a correctional counseling teacher who was a social worker and worked for CPS, so she could give real perspective which helped me learn so much more.

Kelsey from Olympia, WA

10/02/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Great for these types of students

Students with a passion for music will really enjoy this school. It features lively and fun, as well as challenging music programs. Central is also good for students like to be active and participate in community activities. There is always something going on, and the other students are constantly coming up with more.

Tips for prospective students

I would definitely recommend that you push yourself. The teachers like to see students who have drive, and honestly, it's the best way to keep up with them. Also, be as organized as possible, in order to always be on top of everything you need to do.

Bang for the buck

I have a great feeling about the worth of this school. People and professors are generally encouraging, and I am already learning a lot, only two weeks into my first year. If things keep up like this, I have no doubt that my money will be well-spent here.

Am enjoying being here

The campus is very pleasant, other than the strong wind every other day. I am comfortable riding my bike around to all of my classes, and there are almost always plenty of bike racks, so I can leave my bike when I need to.

Am learning a lot

Ever since classes started, I have been challenged as well as encouraged by my professors. I am super excited to continue to learn, and I think I will really benefit from attending this college, not only academically, but also in my person in general.

Those who like the outdoors, want a balanced college experience, want to explore

Bang for the buck

Probably the cheapest 4-year education in Washington State.

What to do for fun

I'm definitely a city person, so for me the most fun is hanging out with people or staying inside. Unless you're an outdoors kind of a person, there's nothing to do here.

Food and Dining

UGH, food is terrible on campus. If you use your connection card, it's very cheap, but the food is disgusting. I've only been here one quarter and I'm tired of it. CWU does not have very many vegetarian/vegan/kosher/other dietary meals, yet they expect you to pay thousands of dollars a QUARTER for their plan (when they only give you about $400 a quarter).

Dorm Life

It's hit or miss. My dorm is really nice, especially since it only holds 50 residents. Others are nightmares. Other than that, I'd say the dorms here are perfectly balanced between being fun, but also being places where people can hang out, study, and sleep.

Academic Rigor

Classes are what should be expected for university-level learning.

Tips for prospective students

Be prepared for the weather. Ellensburg runs at about 32° during the daytime, and with the intense amount of wind it makes it super chilly. CWU is not a party school. Yes there are parties, but it is not a party school. Ellensburg is a pretty small town and there aren't that many stores. If you can't handle not being in a large commercial center, I'd reconsider.

In three sentences

A great school for an in-state student who wants quality, affordable education. Diverse majors. Middle sized campus where everything is walking distance.

Jordan from Ellensburg, WA

with phone stations throughout campus, night cwu police, and saftey rides only a call away. saftey doesn't need to be a concern.

Greek Life

we do not have the traditional greek row. we do have greek clubs for honors and majors, to help with graduate school, and to meet others with your same goals!

Clubs and Activities

from the slurpee club to the exercise science club, there is a club to interest you. even if there isn't you can be the president and start the club of your choice!!

Great for these types of students

we are a very diverse campus, with many types of exchange student programs, even you can be one. try our study abroad program for the summer or the year.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

yes, we play quidditch, and wizard chess. we also have a great japanese garden located in the middle of campus. like to trick or treat? join boo central!

Bang for the buck

when you graduate, there will not be a moment of panic when looking at the total bill. the flood of memories from your time at cwu, will well be worth the price!!

What to do for fun

fun can be found at any location, from the new rec center with the built in rock wall, to our outdoor experience clinics. fun can be found in any season, from snowboard rentals, to rafting clinics, even quidditch and human foosball, campus never has an off day from activity! sports not your thing, free movies and concerts are always being offered.

Food and Dining

with a wide variety to choose from and two different locations on campus, food can be found anywhere. be sure to not miss out on the themed dinners!

Dorm Life

the dorms are the place to be, from free movies to game nights, you'll find your friends all around you, and only doors away are the great apartment style rooms with your own kitchen and bathroom. forget about those awkward moments in community bathrooms.

Academic Rigor

teachers will help you every step of the way if you having troubles. so don't be intimidated by any class, someone is always there to help you.

Tips for prospective students

come to study, but to enjoy all that central has to other you. the campus is at your disposal with endless possibilities!

In three sentences

a campus to not only learn and earn a degree, but a place to become a dynamic person. you will learn to love all the seasons of the year, and the many activities each brings with the turning of the weather. building relationships will become a daily activity in your life.

Jessica from Ellensburg, WA

the choices are endless. i love the rec center, rock climbing wall, ranger training, tons of clubs, intermural sports, bus to go skiing....too many thing to list! just a fun environment.

Food and Dining

everything you could ask for. something for everyone.

Dorm Life

have dorms for everyone. great choices for students who have individual interests. updated living spaces, with a new dorm just built and another new one coming next year!

Academic Rigor

i have some classes that are pretty tough and challenging, but the professors are great. i am in the douglas honors collage and it is a great way to satisfy your general ed class requirements in a more 'real world' learning alternative. lot's of opportunities for different learning styles

Tips for prospective students

if you are an incoming freshman participate in the els, leadership camp the week before official move-in. it is wonderful, you meet great people, learn wonderful team building and group activities in the great outdoors, as well as get to move-in before your room-mate so you can pick the best bed! :-)

In three sentences

i *love* being a student at cwu! i live on campus and have met some of the best friends i know i will have for my lifetime. central washington university has everything!

Nicholas from Lacey, WA

I've never had a problem with campus safety and I haven't heard any stories.

Clubs and Activities

there are TONS of clubs on campus, in fact I'm in one that focuses on volunteering. They have many clubs for many types of people.

Bang for the buck

The school is cheaper then most but still worth the money. The living i think is the most expensive part, but i believe they try to keep it as cheap as possible.

What to do for fun

Theres a lot to do for fun, most people decide to go party but thats not all there is. You can walk downtown, go to movies, play sports, hiking, rock climbing, gym, or even just hang out.

Food and Dining

The food is great, for the most part. It has many dining places so you don't have to stick to one spot.

Dorm Life

Everyone is friendly and the rooms are nice! They have many types of rooms to fit what you need

Academic Rigor

Theres always help for student who need it! There are labs open almost all day for student to come and visit and get tutors. The teachers also like to help student pass their classes.

Tips for prospective students

Future student wont be expecting much from Ellensburg but if you look around there is actually a lot to do!

In three sentences

Central Washington is a fun small town school. There isn't much diversity but the people are generally nice and easy to find friends. The classes are also nice and teachers are easy to learn from (most).

Jennifer from Ellensburg, WA

Every few weeks there's a special deal at Ace for piercings. 10-20% off any piercing! They're great piercers and cheap. But always remember to get pierced by the mom... she's gentle.

What to do for fun

Party, study, party, sleep, eat, and maybe party some more.

Food and Dining

The SURC is all student based. The money it makes goes to the students but that's really the only good thing there.

Dorm Life

In the dorms you meet the friends you'll have for your whole time in college and possibly the rest of your life.

Academic Rigor

It's very interesting here. You just have to make sure to look up your professor on myprof and pick winners.

Tips for prospective students

Do your homework and make sure you give yourself time to study. Without this time, you'll party too hard, stress out, and fail out. Don't be a failure.

In three sentences

This university has been the best decision of my life. I've met friends that I would never give up for the world and I've bettered myself further than I would have anywhere else. It's also in the middle of no-where and, as a car lover, I can cruise miles of road for hours and always end back up on campus.

Alexia from Maple Valley, WA

There are many emergency posts for students if they feel unsafe. Also, police officers patrol the campus all day, every day to ensure the safety of students.

Greek Life

CWU does not have the Greek system, which is good for students that are not interested in joining a fraternity or sorority.

What to do for fun

Go swimming in the campus swimming pool, go to the river and fish. There is a large variety of clubs to join. The recreational center has a rock climbing wall and plenty of exercise classes to attend.

Food and Dining

They have a great selection of food to choose from and the meal plans are reasonably priced.

Dorm Life

CWU provides many programs that allow students to meet other students. It also has many opportunities for students to get involved in the community.

Academic Rigor

CWU requires a broad spectrum of courses, which provides you with general knowledge on many different disciplines.

Tips for prospective students

Take as many credits as you possibly can each quarter. Use websites to research information about each teacher before you take their class. Study hard and do not let distractions get in the way of your education.

In three sentences

Central Washington University provides a great educational experience. It has very good teachers who do their best to convey as much information as possible. CWU has a beautiful campus with many opportunities for every individual.

Madison from Lake Tapps, WA

There are several activities and clubs to involve yourself in at CWU. I am involved in many, and enjoy it very much.

Great for these types of students

Outgoing, country, small schooled students.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The center of Washington State is located outside one of the buildings on campus.

Bang for the buck

Central is relatively cheap compared to most schools, and you learn more than you would because class sizes are smaller than most universities.

What to do for fun

Floating the yakima river, shopping, dining.

Dorm Life

Dorm life at Central is great, they have several options and the Resident Assistance are friendly and understanding.

Academic Rigor

The classes at Central are informative and difficult but reasonable. The only issue I have is the breath requirement 101 level geography and geology classes are tough for your first quarter at Central.

Tips for prospective students

My tips for prospective students are to create a four year plan prior to registration for classes. Don't overwhelm yourself each quarter. Also, be prepared for snow and lots of wind.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is school where students and staff are outgoing, friendly, and reasonable. The campus is the perfect size to create a large friend base, and have good relationships with your professors. The town is small, but the distance from home and city life is great and not too far away if needed.

Charlette from Vancouver, WA

Ellensburg is beautiful and the town has a lot of great little shops to visit.

Food and Dining

The food is really pretty good. There is a good variety and multiple different locations to get food.

Dorm Life

The dorms are, for the most part, beautiful and most of them are located in great areas on campus to make being late to class a challenge.

Academic Rigor

The classes test you and your ability to succeed, but they are also amazing at giving you the best benefits.

Tips for prospective students

Take a tour of the campus and you will fall in love.

In three sentences

I love this school. The programs here are great and most of the professors are more than willing to do what they can to help you succeed. The campus is beautiful all year round and it is set up to be convenient to get around campus, especially if you live on campus.

Joshua from Lacey, WA

All around campus there are police sites where if you are in danger one push of the button and security will be there within 10-15 seconds.

Greek Life

Unfortunately there is no Greek like at Central Washington

Clubs and Activities

There are so many clubs you can take part of. Those being the business clubs, black student unions. And activity's are always going on whether it be a small concert in the student union, or games in the gym.

Great for these types of students

If you are a student that likes small surroundings then this place is great for you. Not a huge city so makes it more comfortable not so crowded. Also if you are a student that enjoys small classroom environments then this is for you.

What to do for fun

There is a lot of sporting events that take place making it fun for everyone! Movies in the theater of the surc next to the ballrooms. Intramural are the funnest events to participate in. If you enjoy being outdoors there is a huge number of activities to partake in. Those being fishing, hunting, hiking... ect.

Food and Dining

I would love to see more options available at Central Washington. Repetitive meals makes students not want to eat there as much making them spend their money on outside restaurants like McDonalds.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is a lot of fun there is alway's some kind of activity going on to make it fun and connect with others. The RA's were fantastic when i was living in the dorms.

Academic Rigor

Academics here are good, however i have found that some departments have their weak ends. The math departments use a lot of student teaching which makes it hard for students to take it serious. Overall the science, business, and sports departments are great!

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to really explore Central Washington University not only as a school, but look into the city of Ellensburg itself. A lot of students have never been there and once they settle in they don't like the surroundings. Has a great education department, especially if you enjoy the medical fields.

In three sentences

Small classrooms make it easier for students to connect with the professors. If you like small campuses it is a perfect school for you. Lastly, it has a great staff of financial aide counselors making it easier to be a student without having to worrying.

Elizabeth from Port Angeles, WA

Regular patrols by campus security. You can call them to walk you home after a late class or just for a ride. They are very sincere about keeping students safe.

Great for these types of students

All types will do well.

Bang for the buck

Come and join us. A great place to go to school. Friends from all over the country and world.

What to do for fun

Shuttle will take you anywhere in town, from the movies, to the bowling alley, the markets. The SURC (student union recreation center) offers a gym, exercise classes, outdooor adventures and entertainment.

Food and Dining

Just like most campuses, it has it's good & bad. Lots of variety and different places to eat and still be on campus.

Dorm Life

Not my favorite, but as a community it offers a great way to meet new friends and make life long friendships.

Academic Rigor

Solid skills are needed, but support is available for those who ask.

Tips for prospective students

Be sure to use the support services offered by Math Lab, Writing lab, etc. They will help you to succeed. Ask for help, don't wait until it's too late. This is all about you taking control and going for it.

In three sentences

A solid academic university, with classes in almost every major. Great support from faculty and peers as needed. Campus is fantastic.

Alysha from Milton, WA

Ive always felt safe on Central Washington's campus. There is always a police officer on duty and the blue phones are placed everywhere in case of emergencies. I couldn't feel safer.

Greek Life

We don't have Greek life on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are tons and tons of activities for students to participate and get involved in as well as clubs. Each is always welcoming to new members and are always putting on fun and eclectic activities throughout the year both on and off campus.

Great for these types of students

A+ university! I recommend Central to anyone and everyone no matter what kind of person you might be.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The annual Drag Show hosted by Central Washington Univserity Equal clus is a fun event during Gay Pride Week that draws in every student who loves music, to dance, and let loose while having fun. It doesn't take place on every campus but Central is known for putting on this even every year. Families off campus are even welcome and always come as well as professors and of course students of CWU.

Bang for the buck

You will get your moneys worth at Central. While the amount might seem much, its worth every penny between all the benefits a students receives both on and off campus. Its worth it!

What to do for fun

I try to participate in everything that there is to offer. Between intramural sports, clubs and activities, i feel like i live the best life while at Central Washington University!

Food and Dining

Each food station as well as Holmes Dining is wonderful! Better than most and worth it to try everything!

Dorm Life

Each dorm is different but my first year on campus, i lived in Kamola Hall and loved it! The other college students living there have common interests that you do and the Residence Hall leaders are always wonderful. I loved living in Kamola and if i could go back and choose again, i would choose Kamola without hesitation.

Academic Rigor

I feel that each professor has their own set of higher standards and while it might be time consuming, full of hard, work, and stress-filled to meet their standards, once you reach and achieve the,, there is no better feeling.

Tips for prospective students

I would recommend talking to a student who currently attends the colleges you are interested in. They are the ones who have already lived through at least a year there and have the best tips, knowledge, and hits on how to make you succeed in your future.

In three sentences

I would give Central Washington University a 10 out of 10. The community, professors, and students here are like a family to me and have always made me felt welcome. I would recommend Central to any high school senior who enjoys a family-felt school and who wants a great education.

Elizabeth from Everett, WA

There has never once been a time when I have felt unsafe on campus. Should a security issue surface or occur, communication is incredibly swift and efficient.

Greek Life

No Greeks at Central. Sorry, Greek-lovers! For a similar experience, though, join one of Central's many clubs.

Clubs and Activities

Join a club at Central! Be it a sport, a visual or performing art, an honor society, a religious club, or a geek-friendly club, CWU has something for everyone.

Great for these types of students

Music students - hard-working, friendly, and zany people who enjoy the rigor of studying music. Education students - also hard-working, open, and sociable people looking for a quality education in, well, education.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

- The Ganges is a drainage ditch that runs all the way through campus and Ellensburg. Don't go swimming in it!

Bang for the buck

The Music Department at Central Washington University is incredible not only because of its rigorous curriculum and standard of excellence, but also because of its faculty. Dr. Hal Ott, Professor Gookin, Professor Lane, Dr. Lipori, and countless others make each day interesting and exciting. It is well worth the ever increasing tuition.

What to do for fun

On campus: Attend music building performances - the CWU Orchestra and Wind Ensembles are award winning. Their performances will not disappoint. Monday Movie Madness - once every two weeks, watch a movie in the Student Union and Recreation Center theatre for free. Work Out - the Student Union and Recreation Center has an indoor track, several basketball courts, and even a rock wall. Off Campus: Eat out - many restaurants around town are great social hot spots. Try Wings Central for a truly spicy experience.

Not all of the residence halls at Central are new - indeed, Kamola hall, located in South campus, is 100 years old - but they are maintained with the utmost care.

Academic Rigor

Central's music program is top-notch and also quite rigorous. Excellence is both expected and encouraged in all music areas, from vocal performance to composition.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should: Tour the campus - find out if it is comfortable for you. Meet your academic advisor(s) - this person shall be your guide through your college experience. Music majors should apply and audition early - introduce yourself to your primary area professor and the large ensemble professors. They are truly fantastic people.

In three sentences

A jewel of a university, Central is full of surprises. In my two years of attendance, I have had the privilege of studying under some of the finest instructors I have ever encountered, been introduced to and encouraged to explore different perspectives and fields of study, and met countless new friends. It is an honor to attend Central Washington University.

Marquis from University Place, WA

07/09/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

University police make rounds usually, there are people who walk you to your house/dorm if you like, many hotlines or numbers to call for help and several blue light lamps that you can push and the cops will be there immediately.

Greek Life

Currently not having a Greek life, trying to put it in right now. Probably will have one in the next few years.

Clubs and Activities

Several clubs, just for about anything you can think of and our sports team are always really good if not the best in their division.

Great for these types of students

Of all types.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The huge rodeo, many fairs and farmers market, and two clubs that bring in celebrities like too short, macklemore, the Pack, and bill Cosby.

Bang for the buck

Everything is pretty decently priced if not cheaper.

What to do for fun

There is a big annual rodeo hear, school sports are great to attend, rock wall, many hiking areas, a river for rafting, several camping sites, building an indoor water park, parties and a lake with several people.

Food and Dining

There are two on campus food areas that are pretty good but can become a bit tired of. But there are amazing local restaurants that have great food at great prices.

Dorm Life

I liked the dorm life because the Resident Assistants are pretty good with the students they live with in the dorms. There are many programs and everything is real close to you.

Academic Rigor

It can be real easy to fall behind in college, but there are many tutor sessions whether they be free or you pay.

Tips for prospective students

This University would be great to you whether you like to hang with friends, do many extracurricular activities or participate in sports. Our sports team are very good as well. Also, the people here are nice and social.

In three sentences

CWU is a university with a variety of students and things to do. It is in a pretty small town of Ellensburg but they have a yearly rodeo and are building an indoor water park not far from the school. The teachers are decent if not amazing to learn from or become friends with, I love it!!

Kable from Twin Falls, ID

The Campus Safety is Great if you have Problem they will go and find everything is your bike get stolen they will find the person who took your Bike!

Greek Life

There is no Greek Life at CWU

Clubs and Activities

The Clubs and Activities are Great we have one of the Top Rugby Teams in the Nation, we have a Swim Club where you can try and make it to the Olympic Trials, They have over 20 clubs and they want you to get involved!

Great for these types of students

There BFA Musical Theatre Program is Great they will find you a Job for the summer you could work for a Company's in Seattle you have many opportunities.

Bang for the buck

CWU is very reasonable it's a small town and it is not very Expensive to go there if you want to go to CWU than the Staff will get you to come to CWU.

The Food is Great they have a Huge Cafeteria in the SURC as we call it at CWU Its always cooked Fresh!!

Dorm Life

The Dorms Are Great they have Brand New Dorms and they Are Very nice but The older ones are great to the RA's are great and they are always there if you need anything.

Academic Rigor

CWU challenges you to be the BEST ever they push you to be at the Top of your class I am Majoring in Musical Theatre and The Teachers are Great with helping and they want you to be on the Top when you Graduate and go off to Auditions.

Tips for prospective students

Go to the Discover Orientation Best thing to go to!! Get Involved Central has many Clubs Activities to do and meet new people when you first get there. Do not Stay in Your Dorm Room and just sit there Get out and be Involved.

In three sentences

Central Washington Is Accepting, it challenges you to be the Best Student out there, and You feel Welcome to that College. If you ask them a Question or anything they will do there best to Figure out the answer and usually they have the Answer on the top of there head. They will keep you on track to Graduate and Help you.

Nate from Camas, WA

Campus PD are everywhere constantly patrolling campus. Also there are emergency towers located through out campus that if activated, automatically notify authorities.

Greek Life

No Greek system

Clubs and Activities

Intramural sports are extremely popular and fun.

Great for these types of students

All types of students seem to fit in here.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Chimpanzee facility is very unique and also offers a Primate Studies Major which many similar University can not say.

Bang for the buck

Overall Central is very affordable and the academics are well worth the money.

What to do for fun

There is a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, camping, ext. Other than that the football and other sport games aren't anything special, similar to your average high school athletics.

Food and Dining

Great selection of food, including a large food court and other smaller restaurants.

Dorm Life

Great opportunity to meet people because the dorms are all grouped together in a friendly community setting.

Academic Rigor

Classes challenge you but do not overwhelm.

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you understand the town is boring and that school involvement is limited. example: not much school spirit.

Conner from Enumclaw, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

A very safe campus with excellent campus security taking pride in whats right yet very fair. You should never feel in danger here.

Greek Life

None that i know of.

Clubs and Activities

You can join any intramural sport that they offer, which is a large handful!

Great for these types of students

Just students that want to further education. CWU is wonderful for any student looking for an all around rich athletic and academic university.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Nothing really far out of the norm. There is no structured freshman hazing, no fraternities or sororities.

Bang for the buck

Your education makes money well spent here. And the memories are priceless. You wont find a better college atmosphere in Washington!

What to do for fun

Incredible recreation center and weight room/ workout center. Join an intramural league for any sport you like.

Food and Dining

Many dining options, Anything you can think of, they have it. And if they don't have what you like. You can shop at the student store for grocery's. Also the domino's there is very good!

Dorm Life

Great dorm life, especially in living learning communities (LLC). So many friends are bound to be made.

Academic Rigor

Great school for those going into business and educational majors. It seems as though every teacher I've met went to CWU

Tips for prospective students

Be aware of the weather out there, and dress warm. It can get very cold, and is no school on the beach. However the school makes up for the acclimate weather with tremendous school spirit and unity. Stay focus on your studies and success will find it's way to you.

In three sentences

Central is an excellent University that solidifies itself as top of the line for educational and business majors. With the community as a strong support, this makes any wildcat prideful. My parents both graduated from CWU and have the up-most respect for this institution, I share the same attitude and admiration.

Kathryn from Woodland, WA

07/31/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus and town police are always around. We have the blue light system, which means that help is always only thirty seconds away at most whenever you need it. Rules and expectations are outlined explicitely and easily understood. There is also a group of campus police that are specially designated so that you can call them if you are walking home by yourself and they will send someone to walk with your where ever you need to go.

Greek Life

There is no Greek system on campus.

Clubs and Activities

Lots to do, and all clubs offer events that are campus wide. Everyone gets the opportunity to attend every event. We also have this thing where if there isn't a club that you are all that interested in, you can start your own club with at least four or five other people who are interested is starting that same kind of club.

Great for these types of students

Sporting events are awesome! There are always great giveaways and local stores/places are always involved in this.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

It's not actually on campus, but the two nights right before classes start for fall quarter, there are two big stores in town that offer great deals after hours for students only. There are always companies coming in and out of campus offering free stuff, and hey, who doesn't want that?

Bang for the buck

Just like any school, tuition can be steep, but is worth every penny. The school offers lots of different general scholarships, as well as ones for certain majors. With all that you get, looking at the cost of everything actually does make sense.

What to do for fun

Seattle is only about an hour and a half away. Yakima has a big mall and is only half an hour away. There are lots of outdoor activities (sports, hiking, river activities, etc.) that take place away from campus. There are activities offered throughout campus within residence halls on weekends as well as during the week. In Ellensburg, there is always something to do and no reason to ever be bored.

Food and Dining

There are lots of options and places to eat. Dining services is really friendly and extremely helpful to those who have any kind of special dietary needs.

Dorm Life

There are lots of ways to get involved, and your residence hall is the easiest way to find these and other resources. Housing puts together greats staff teams for each hall, and all of the resident assistants were hand-picked for their abilities and willingness to help.

Academic Rigor

Classes can be tough, but there are lots of great resources available for help. Everything is always easier if you take the time to study, even if you're only reading your notes or going over the chapters.

Tips for prospective students

Sign up for housing and classes as early as you can. SLEEP, it helps with everything. Don't be roommates with your friends, become friends with your roommate(s).

In three sentences

The campus is set in a small town where the people have a really friendly attitude toward students. There are lots of ways to get involved in pretty much anything you like, somewhere on campus. The classes offered are amazing and taught by wonderful professors who want nothing more than to see their students succeed.

Kaben from Vancouver, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

Many choices all around the campus. Student center is new so it has a pleasant atmosphere and a relaxing environment to eat, study, or visit.

Dorm Life

They have brand new dorms for every class! Freshmen will be ready this fall. Air conditioning too!!

Tips for prospective students

Go to the orientation. You will get help with your schedule, FAFSA questions, and flip the bill for your stay!

In three sentences

It has a strong football program which I have been recruited to play on and feel good about being a part of a top notch program. I haven't officially started classes, but the orientation process was done well and helped answer many questions.

Jacob from Colville, WA

There is one fraternity and one sorority, but nothing really impressive.

Clubs and Activities

There are a huge variety of clubs, from academic, to interest related.

Great for these types of students

Central offers good selection to a vast array of students, however I have been left less than impressed with the mathematics department.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Kamola residence hall is supposed to be one of the most haunted buildings in the Pacific Northwest, which certainly is interesting.

Bang for the buck

The class sizes are small and the cost of attendance is fairly competitive in comparison to other state universities. Also if you are a science major there are many opportunities to get involved in undergraduate research.

What to do for fun

I myself am a bit of a compulsive academic, but there are many fun activities available. The Student Union Recreation Center (SURC) has rock walls, an extensive Gym, dining facilities and a movie theater. In addition Ellensburg has many venues for those interested

Food and Dining

The food is good, but anything can get tiresome after a year of eating it. However there is good selection: Pizza, Asian food, Mexican food, Wraps, Salads, Burgers, Sushi, Hot-dogs and much more.

Dorm Life

The dorms that I have stayed in have all been fairly nice, and the presence of LLCs (living and learning communities) can help you stay on the right track. Really what it comes down to is who you get for a roommate, and a lot of that is just luck.

Academic Rigor

The academics are not overly hard in themselves, though the difficulty does relate to your area of study; Biochemistry and Sociology don't really compare! However if your aggressive and proactive you can become more involved if you are looking for a challenge and resume builder.

Tips for prospective students

If you are in a popular major you have to be aware of the job market. Its fine to pursue a popular major, just remember that the more popular it is the more competition you will face in the job market. If you pursue one of these high interest fields be prepared to work very hard to stand out.

In three sentences

The best thing about CWU is that is is a fairly small school. This means that with smaller class sizes one can get to know the professors better. Also as a smaller university there are less graduate students so one can pursue undergraduate research with much more ease.

Sarah from Ellensburg, WA

10/15/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The safety here is unreal. Every 100 feet or so there is emergency towers where you can call a police officers or just press a button and they'll come right to you right away! They also patrol regularly and are really nice guys. There's a lot of programs in place through the university like CAT, its there for you if you don't want to walk anywhere alone.

What to do for fun

For fun you can go into the burg. there's tons of cute little shops. On campus there's also something going on in one of the ballrooms or in the serc. You can also go to the super nice rec center to work out or go rock climbing.

Food and Dining

Holmes food can be super hit and miss but it's all you can eat so if you're really hungry it's great. Sometimes you get kinda sick of the market food but overall its really good and super customizable.

Dorm Life

My dorm is amazing and so comfy and nice and pretty! I have a lot of friends in my floor.

Academic Rigor

It really depends on your professor. Some courses are very challenging and others aren't at all.

Tips for prospective students

Bring a lot of food for when the serc isn't open or when you just want to snack. And a lot of homey things; you'll miss home!

In three sentences

It is a super fun, nice place to be! The students and organizations are really friendly and inviting. And there's a lot of activities.

Ryan from Vancouver, WA

The campus police are very nice and always patrolling. You're pretty safe at Central.

Greek Life

None.

Clubs and Activities

There are a lot of different types of clubs that I heard are awesome. Central also has a ton of intramural sports as well as other adventurous opportunities.

Great for these types of students

For outgoing, easy students. Laid back, like to get out and do things.

Bang for the buck

For what i'm paying for tuition, it is so worth it. Everything comes down to what you make of the opportunities you have, and Central has many opportunities.

What to do for fun

Central offers an immense amount of things to do for fun, mainly through a program called OPR, Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals. This program organizes all sorts of outdoor trips, adventure hikes, rock climbing trips etc. There is always something to do here.

Food and Dining

The cafeteria food isn't half bad for its prices. I've tried pretty much everything there is on the menu and have no thoughts about it. The portions aren't bad either.

Dorm Life

Dorm life here is awesome. I am in the newly renovated residence hall (Barto) and it is a blast, and not very expensive either. I've been in almost all of the other dorms, and they all look very comforting as well.

Academic Rigor

My academic schedule is pretty rigorous right now, but I am able to flexible and choose which courses I want to take and organize my schedule accordingly.

Tips for prospective students

Keep Central on your list of schools to attend. The class sizes are small which creates a better academic environment to learn in.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is a very open and accepting school that strives to get students involved. It is incredibly welcoming to incoming freshmen which creates a warm environment to live in. It helps you adapt to the college life very well.

Katelyn from Kennewick, WA

11/06/2012

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus has their own police that you can call. There are also emergency stations around campus that you can press a button on and the police will respond quickly. There is a Courtesy Assistance Team (CAT) that you can call if you feel uncomfortable walking somewhere at night and they will send someone to walk with you anywhere on campus and up to a mile off campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs for every type of student out there. The clubs are inclusive and provide a safe place for all people.

Bang for the buck

There is a medical center and counseling center on campus that you can go to for free, it's paid for in your tuition. Also, the events on campus are usually free for CWU students, or discounted at least. The recreation center and aquatic center are yours to use at no extra cost as well.

What to do for fun

The campus activity directors are very good at listening to the students' interests and getting bands and comedians you want to perform. They also have Monday Movie Madness, where they play movies that have been popular in the past months. There is an aquatic center and gym on campus, including a climbing wall. There is a bowling alley not far from campus as well as a movie theater.

Food and Dining

There are many choices for food, and there is a mini store on each side of campus. You can choose from pizza, salad, pasta, Asian style food, Mexican style food, sandwiches, burgers, or sushi. There is also a buffet-style dining area that offers breakfast at all hours and many other choices.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is comfortable. Communication with a roommate is essential or the quality of dorm life may go down personally. Dorms are kept clean and have many common areas.

Academic Rigor

Academic Rigor is moderate. If you apply yourself, it is much easier. If you do not try, it is much more difficult.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students should be active learners that go to classes and do the work assigned. I would tell prospective students to learn where there classes are before the first day, Communication with your professors is important, and if they know you are dedicated to your studies they will work with you when you have any issues.

In three sentences

Central has great professors that take time to listen to your concerns. The campus is easy to navigate and is attractive. There are many choices for food that are reasonably priced.

Personally, being an off-campus student, I love the food. It's always a treat.

Dorm Life

What I know from friends, the same food gets to be old news. But there are many activities to get involved in if that's what you like to do.

Tips for prospective students

Winters are really cold. Be prepared to dress warm!

In three sentences

This is a great school for people who would like to have an active lifestyle; the roads are biking friendly. The college ministries in town are really good, especially SALT. The community is small and friendly.

Nia-Mercedes from Seattle, WA

There are emergency poles everywhere. If you ever need help they also have a line where you can call students to walk you to your dorm so you never have to be alone.

Clubs and Activities

There are clubs for everything, and if you want one that is not there then you can create your own.

What to do for fun

There are many things to do for fun, going to the rec center to work out, play basketball, volleyball, or badminton. There's also a bowling alley across from campus. There is also downtown Ellensburg, there are many different shops and local restaurants.

Food and Dining

There are many different options for food available on campus. There are also many different restaurants that are nearby and are close enough to walk to.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is what you make it. Dorms have many different events so that people can get to know each other at. You can have as many friends as you want, its all up to you.

Academic Rigor

There are classes for everyone. If you want to be challenged then there are classes that will do that for you. If you feel like you need help, the professors doors are always open to help you.

Tips for prospective students

Central is a fun place to be, you just have to go out and fine the fun. It's welcoming to the people who want to be welcomed and feel as if they are a part of something. This somewhere you know you'll be able to find friends at.

In three sentences

Central is a very welcoming place, I felt like I belonged as soon as I stepped place on campus. The first few days are the ones not to miss, this is where you can meet everyone else. I recommend it to many other people who want to feel as if they belong.

Caitlyn from Lacey, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Clubs and Activities

They have clubs for just about everything! And if they don't, you can make one yourself.

Great for these types of students

If youre an education major this is a really great school for you.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Its really big on their rodeos and very popular there too.

Bang for the buck

In comparison to other Universities in Washington, Central has a good price.

What to do for fun

They have a rock climbing wall and a very big work out center with zumba classes. Theres also a movie theatre that you can get into for free some days with new movies.

Food and Dining

They have a wide variety of food at the cafeteria and they have a buffet every day. Dont eat breakfast and lunch there everyday though, you should just go to the dinner to save money.

Dorm Life

When I went to the open house, the new dorms in Bartlow Hall for freshmen are really nice. Theyre not very big but on every floor it has lots of areas to relax and study. Plus giant flatscreens!

Tips for prospective students

Don't worry too much about your GPA and SAT scores. As long as you're a 3.0 or above with a 1500 SAT you have a really high chance of getting in. I had a 3.164 GPA and a 1500 SAT score and I got an acceptance letter 4 days after I submitted it. Also, if you're recommended to do the essays, you should do them because it never hurts to try.

In three sentences

Central is a great school! I cant tell you enough how perfect it is. Everyone is really nice there and its not too big or too small. Teacher to student ratio are about 1:25 and its a beautiful campus all year long.

I would not recommend Central Washington University's graphic design program, however, I would recommend the university for any other degree's.

What to do for fun

Central Washington University does an excellent job at having a lot of activities and events for students. The university's OPR (Outdoor Persuits & Rentals) is a lot of fun!

Food and Dining

Food is expensive and made poorly.

Dorm Life

Never lived in a dorm.

Academic Rigor

I would not recommend Central Washington's University's graphic design program.

Tips for prospective students

Outline your entire college classes on your own before hand and don't wait for registration deadlines to plan your classes. Make sure your adviser really cares about you and your career.

In three sentences

Central Washington University in general is a great university, however, their graphic design program is a very weak program. I would not recommend Central Washington University's graphic design program.

Kya from Eastsound, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

I feel so safe here!

Greek Life

Sadly, no greek life :(

Food and Dining

The meal plans give you lots of options!

Dorm Life

I am getting a suite, which is very nice. The dorms are in excellent condition, and all the students living in them are like a giant family.

Academic Rigor

The classes seem very stimulating, and the professors very educated whose purpose is for you to succeed.

In three sentences

A fruitful and relatively inexpensive institute. The students and staff are all incredibly helpful and intelligent, which makes for a friendly atmosphere and provides a true community! I couldn't be more excited to attend in the fall!

M

02/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I can't speak to other people's experiences, but I never really feel unsafe here. It's a small town so there isn't the high crime rate like in big cities. Campus police are around, and there's a system where you can call a Courtesy Assistant Team member to walk with you if you're not comfortable walking on campus at night or whenever.

Greek Life

There isn't really a Greek system here.

Bang for the buck

CWU is one of the better deals in the state, but like all colleges, it is still expensive.

What to do for fun

Ellensburg is a small town, so there's not all that much to do compared to schools in Seattle. However, CWU is in the middle of the state so it's not too far of a drive or bus ride to other cities. On campus they have programs like free movies on Mondays, and individual residence halls have their own activities going on. There's also a lot of outdoor activities that University recreation puts on. CWU sort of has a party-school reputation, but I don't think it's really that much different from other universities.

Dorm Life

I met a lot of good friends in the dorms through first-week programs.

Academic Rigor

The academic difficulty really depends on how much you take on. I have felt challenged so far, but not too overwhelmed.

Tips for prospective students

Apply for the honors college! A lot of students don't know that Central has one. It gives you more choices for classes, looks good to future employers, and the professors are really interesting. You can even get out of some basic classes.

In three sentences

CWU has a really friendly vibe, I felt at home really quickly here. There isn't much to do in Ellensburg, but the university provides lots of activities. Central may not be considered as prestigious as some other colleges in the state, but I feel like I am getting an excellent education and having fun too.

Nick from Renton, WA

02/25/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

The campus always puts on special entertainment in the dorms, like open mic, tournaments, video games, pool table and many other events. In the rec center you can always enjoy sports or weight lifting. Then, late at night on Mondays you can go watch a movie put on by the staff at CWU.

Food and Dining

The North Cafe, Holmes dining, and the Central marketplace have very delicious food at all times. When you're in a hurry, you can stop by the covenant store and get a quick snack. Having this accessibility to get whatever you want whenever you want is what everyone looks for.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is very adaptable and enjoyable, everyday is something different. The RA's help you when in need ( lost keys, broken items, meeting, entertainment, rules etc). Also, being around polite and respectful people always make life easier.

Academic Rigor

The academics at Central are at standard and push you to understand all the knowledge possible. The teachers are very informative and personal. They look for each students academic success.

Tips for prospective students

Understand the style of your teacher, teachers have their own way of teaching. Also, go above and beyond to learn as much as possible. Being able to apply what you learn in the classroom will help you in everyday life.

In three sentences

Central Washington University has a great learning environment that will help you achieve success. Some of our programs are top of the line with great instruction. It is the first step to a hopeful and promising future.

Megan from Mount Vernon, WA

02/28/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

There are there big round polls all around campus with blue lights on top of them with a button so if your on campus at night and something happens to you you can press the button and it automatically calls the police and you can talk to them through a speaker and if you don't respond they automatically come to campus.

Greek Life

There is no Greek life.

Clubs and Activities

There are quite a few clubs around campus, i have not joined any because none have sparked my interest but there is a diverse topic of clubs. Also there is a lot of intramural sports that people join.

Great for these types of students

If you like a small town this is a great school for you. But if you like a large town for the people then this is a great town for you. This isn't a very diverse school but people have all different kinds of interests.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Every Monday night there is a program called Monday Movie Madness which i have yet to attend but i think it is neat. They show movies that just recently came out of theaters and are free for students to see!

Bang for the buck

I really appreciate having a gym at the SURC, you just slide your card and get to work out! within walking distance of all dorms and is usually not too busy.

What to do for fun

There isn't a whole lot to do for fun unless you enjoy the outdoors. The town is very small so most people just hang out at friends places or drive around.

Food and Dining

The on campus food is good, gets a little tiring which is to be expected of. North Village Cafe has booth seating which makes things a lot more personal and is enjoyable. Also they have great cal zones!

Dorm Life

The dorm life is good, you don't make as many friends in your hall as you think you will, but living in a dorm is a great experience.

Academic Rigor

The first two years will not be that hard because you are just taking GUR's but when you get into your major things get a lot harder.

Tips for prospective students

Expect to spend a bit of time by yourself, you don't make friends instantly. Take a good mix of classes as in Science, Writing and an Interesting class each quarter so that you don't end up having to take three writing classes during the same quarter, that would not be fun.

In three sentences

The town of Ellensburg does not have much to do but has a very 'home town' feeling to it. The enrollment size is perfect because you don't know everybody thus you are always meeting new people but you still see people you know on campus. The professors are great and the course loads are manageable.

Kim from Yakima, WA

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Food and Dining

Once again I haven't eaten here.

Dorm Life

I have no clue coinciding I have never stayed there before overnight.

Academic Rigor

From the cornerstone calculus class I take its not very difficult. The tests are very reasonable. Actually they are easier then the home work so tests aren't a worry at all!

In three sentences

From what I have learned so far the school is excepting to make adjustments to help students to perform better in classes. They are always willing to answer questions and have four days before starting where freshmen can get used to the campus.

David from Tacoma WA

Campus safety is really big here. They have a lot of cops and security around campus. There are even emergency phones on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs and activities just have to find the right one for that specific person.

Great for these types of students

Great for all types of students, this place is filled with a variety of people.

Bang for the buck

Tuition is rising unfortunately, every year

What to do for fun

There are plenty of things to do such as, join clubs, working out at the gym, going to sports activities, joining an intramural sport team, hanging out with friends, and join a fraternity. There are many other things too outside of these suggestions.

Food and Dining

The food is really good, but have to learn how to mix it up so that they won't get old from eating the same thing.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is pretty good just depends on where you live at.

Academic Rigor

The academic level is pretty high, it will take plenty of studying .

Tips for prospective students

For those who are planning to come here I would high recommend it here. Make sure you know who you are as a person and what you want to do while you're here.

In three sentences

If you enjoy a small town and less people than this is a good place to go to school. This is an awesome school to go to for studying and just meeting new people. The professors and students here are very good and warm welcoming.

Swamidy from Yakima, WA

03/20/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Campus safety is really important we have polices on campus that work 24/7. We also have all over the campus poles that look like pencils and if your on danger you push the bottom and click on others you find they would turn in colors from the top and that would alert the police.

Greek Life

We have many clubs that get you involve and connect with people. That's a really good way to make friends.

Clubs and Activities

We have alot of clubs and activities you can join.

Great for these types of students

This campus is great for people who like to be involve.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

In the SURC we have alot of activities going on everyday you don't get bored at all.

Bang for the buck

We have a lot of languages you can take.

What to do for fun

For fun you can go camping, if you like the gym we have a recreation center, we have rock climbing, many other fun activities.

Food and Dining

At the beginning the food and dining sounds really good to eat every day but then after a few months gets old and nothing sounds good, but they have a big variety of food you can choose from.

Dorm Life

The dorm life is amazing you get to know a lot of people is one of the best experience of your life because your know a grown up college student and gets to make there own decisions but you have to be careful to not fall behind.

Academic Rigor

When you start college there will be a lot of circumstances where you are going to feel that you can't do it but on that time you have to try harder.

Tips for prospective students

Don't get distracted do your best, get to know your campus before school starts.

In three sentences

Central is a really good school and it's not far from home. They have very good programs to pursue your degree. Central has a really good environment.

Jeremy from Moxee, WA

06/19/2013

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

From what I have experienced everything seems safe, but that could just be because I am very large and make friends easily. But the entire campus is lit up and there are emergency things everywhere where you just click it and it alerts 911 of your current locations and you can run from one to the other so they know your location and pattern of running.

Clubs and Activities

Well, I was just recently invited to the beard club which was actually a lot of fun. And some dorms hold capture the flag events which are really fun.

Great for these types of students

Any and all

Bang for the buck

The tuition is actually pretty good and with all the programs, events, possibilities here, its a great price.

What to do for fun

Oh my god, the options are endless!! Climbing Wall, Rec Center, Canoe in a pool, pickle ball, Basketball, Walk through the Japanese Garden, Dances, Clubs, there is a lot!

Food and Dining

I've dined here multiple times and the food is great. Fish and chips for days!

Dorm Life

Nice and quite but when I went to check out the pool room I found a condom on the table.. Aside from that, it seems like they really want the student residents to get involved and make friends.

Academic Rigor

You can find great professors/instructors but be sure to visit the Ratemyprofessor to avoid getting a bad instructor.

In three sentences

Very Beautiful campus and from what I can see there are tons of programs offered to student to help them succeed. Tutors for help on homework and a very nice yet helpful staff.

Shelby from Ellensburg, WA

I love this school, but MONEY SUCKS. But that's true anywhere, I blame the fact that war seems to be getting more money than the education of our citizens. Yeah. That's definitely not cool with me.

What to do for fun

Um. Clubs? And stuff? (It's a college town, not much to do)

Food and Dining

It's fun at first, but it gets monotonous really fast. REALLY fast.

Dorm Life

I LOVED all of the girls from my dorm (well, most of them). Everyone was super kind, and I couldn't handle having to leave them. Saying that, I don't want to live there again. It was a great and needed experience for my first year away from my family, but would I want to do another year after that one? NO. That said, you need to live on campus your first year. No matter how much you hate it the first month or so(and I'm being generous to you, I was over my Dorm-Hatred a week or two into it) it's going to be one of the greatest experiences of your life. You'll make life long friends here. I was in one of the Basseties (the freshmen dorms that lacked AC) and we were a huge family. We all knew each other's faces if not their names, and we had a respect for each other that is hard to find. I know that the temptation of Barto's AC and other fancy tech that they're installing is a big lure, but from what my friends who lived their told me, it was a cold (no pun intended) environment. It was hard to tell who was passing through to their friends room and who was actually a fellow resident. So definitely go the Basseties route. MEISNER was my home and I miss all of my 3rd floor ladies. <3

Academic Rigor

I'm going with a three because it really is half and half. Half of the classes are thought inducing and you can't get enough of them. The other 30-50 percent are thoughtless and if you can't get an A in them I'd be a little worried about your priorities.

Tips for prospective students

It's ok to not know exactly what you want. Take the Gen Ed's until you have a better idea. Once you know though, the Gen Ed's are going to seem like hell, and you're just going to have to keep plodding through them, because that's where you get to meet people who have different interests than you. Introduction to Logic (the class that only Lucifer himself could have created) is going to be worth it when you find the BioChem major to offset your Family Studies.

In three sentences

I love my professors, they're always helpful and they truly do want the best for you. The aid offices are not as helpful, and they tend to give you the scripted answers that don't help anyone; they don't seem to care like the professors do. I would sign up for the school again in a heart beat for the students and professors who are the real skeleton muscle of the school.

Brittney from Olympia, WA

07/29/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

Food here is good. Not tons of healthy options, but yummy!

Dorm Life

Central is very into its student life programs, including activities for students living in the dorms and off campus. There are tons of residence halls spread all across campus, including some specifically designed for certain majors or groups of people.

Academic Rigor

Depending on the major, the academic rigor can be very intense to more easy going. Overall though, I think a rating of 3 out of 5 best describes the majority of majors at CWU.

In three sentences

The campus in Ellensburg is beautiful and homey with welcoming students and faculty. The education you receive is great, with advisers and professors helping you every step of the way. Overall, I would recommend Central Washington University to any student that values his or her education but still wants a safe and welcoming environment to do so.

Kaly

08/09/2013

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

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Campus Safety

CWU has great campus safety. There are emergency beacons placed frequently around campus. if a student is in trouble they need to only push a button on the beacon and campus security will come. There are personnel available to walk with student when it is late and dark out so they do not have to walk alone.

What to do for fun

The recreation center is open to all students and it includes basketball courts, weights, various exercise machines and a rock wall. there is a community pool that student s can also use. There is a rodeo on campus and a variety of activities that can be done.

Food and Dining

There are a variety of foods options available at very affordable prices. Besides the campus dining, there are various food places on campus and Fast Food Alley is less then ten minutes away by a bus that runs frequently.

Dorm Life

This is my first time living in a dorm. From what I have seen the dorms are about average in condition and quality.

Academic Rigor

From what I have seen and heard about the classes there is an emphasis placed on academics. The school wants you to do well and accommodates your needs. the teachers seem open and eager to help.

Tips for prospective students

If you are transferring to CWU make sure you plan ahead. I decided on CWU at the last minute and had to scramble to be ready in time for fall quarter. Don't become discourage if things seem hard, the faculty are great with answering questions and getting you ready to begin classes.

In three sentences

The campus was clean and well kept. The teachers I talked to were very helpful and seemed liked they knew what they were speaking about. I am really impressed with how quick CWU has responded to any questions that I have had.

Christopher from Seattle, WA

For in state tuition it's hard to beat. If you are an out of state student, the programs here at Central Washington University are also optimal for the cost of schooling here.

What to do for fun

Ellensburg is the hub for all outdoor recreation in Central Washington. Snow sports are less than an hour away. During the other seasons, the Yakima River is very hospitable to river floats, rafting, and swimming. Hiking is only a few minutes away, as well. Among the things to do in town, Ellensburg, WA has a Bowling alley, cinema, as well as the many pickup frisbee games that occur on campus!

Food and Dining

The food is great! There are many different choices in terms of cuisine, speed of food service, and overall quality of a meal. These range from the all-you-can-eat dining hall, to a burger or burrito in the Student Union Building, to Wellington's sit down dining services.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is great. I would say that CWU ensures that the students have many different options when it comes to on campus housing.

Academic Rigor

The school's academic rigor is what you make of it. There are some wonderful, insightful, and rigorous courses at Central Washington University. There are also many simple easy-to-slide-through courses as well.

Tips for prospective students

Have fun, learn lots, and make sure that you actively participate in your collegiate community through one means or another.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is a great place to attend university. The school creates an excellent environment for students to learn, grow, and improve as a person and an active citizen in this world. Choosing to not attend Central Washington University would be a lifetime mistake!

Jene from Pasco, WA

08/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

Ellensburg is an incredibly safe town, campus included. But if there's ever a time when you feel unsafe, they have a system called the Courtsey Assistance Team, where you call and they will walk with you to wherever you need.

Clubs and Activities

Theres every type of club imaginable.

Great for these types of students

Students who want a small and intimate learning experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

We have a traditional Japanese garden on campus which is the perfect place to relax between classes, eat lunch, or catch up on homework!

What to do for fun

Ellensburg is a small town, so the college itself is great about always having an on campus activity to participate in.

Tips for prospective students

Join a club! The best way to meet people, make friends and enhance your college experience is to join on campus activities.

In three sentences

CWU Is an amazing school to attend regardless of your major. The class sizes are perfectly small enough to get to know your professors and classmates. The class content is always applicable to real life.

Dakoda

There is a club for everyone here, and if there isn't you can start your own.

Great for these types of students

Paramedic and Education majors. Students that can live away from the city and are able to make their own adventures, otherwise there isn't much to do in the city.

Bang for the buck

Very affordable compared to other in state Universities. The dorms are a little expensive.

What to do for fun

Check out a free movie in the SURC on Monday's or get involved with an intramural sport or club, there are a ton to choose from. During the Summer there are a lot of students down at peoples pond, and I would definitely recommend floating the river at least once, but find someone that knows where to start and end at.

Food and Dining

As with any University or College you are eventually going to get sick of the food. One thing that I liked about CWU's dining was that they had a bunch of different venues and setting that offered a variety of foods. They also have a couple markets on campus which is convenient.

Dorm Life

CWU has recently built a couple of very nice new dorms. There are many options available depending on what you are looking for. Unfortunately, from my experience, the newer dorms are less social as the doors to each individual room shut automatically behind you making it hard to socialize with people that are passing through the halls. Wendell Hill dorms was where I lived for 2 quarters but I probably would have choose an older dorm such as Hitchcock as a Freshman to gain a better social experience.

Academic Rigor

While the courses are hard the instructors are more than willing to help and make sure that you succeed. As long as you put in a little effort you will learn a lot while enjoying your self at the same time.

Tips for prospective students

Don't be afraid to reach out a little bit and get out of your comfort zone, try and meet someone new everyday, especially at the begining of the school year. Take advantage of all the resources at the University as there are many. And lastly, check out the Outdoor Pursuits on campus, they have a lot of cool resources to help you enjoy the outdoors.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is set in the small town of Ellensburg, a place where you can both feel at home but yet far enough away to live the college life. It's a place to create new paths towards your future and build new relationships along the way. The perfect size University for the student that is looking for the right mix of an academic and social environment.

Anything you can think of: Football, Basketball, and Rugby are the most popular sports.

Great for these types of students

Anyone wanting a lot of spirit in a community slightly smaller than UW or WSU.

Bang for the buck

Tuition has been rising, but still better than a lot of other places, and class sizes are still smaller (vs UW or WSU) which is nice.

What to do for fun

Football and basketball games in fall and winter, People's Pond in the spring. 301 and the Starlight are popular for upper-level students,

Food and Dining

Not great for you in terms of Nutrition; the portion sizes are astronomical. Never eat a full plate and use good sense and you'll be fine. If you struggle with the Freshman Fifteen, the health center has Nutrition aides that can help; I worked as one my junior and senior year.

Dorm Life

It's dorms: not much else to say about it, really. It helps if you like your roommate, and respect each others boundaries. Most students move off after their first year.

Academic Rigor

Depends on the course/field of study. I majored in Clinical Nutrition and had to take the full organic chem series, which was a dreaded undertaking for a lot of students. Central is the same as every other college; there are hard courses and simple courses, but if you apply yourself and get extra help in challenging areas, you'll succeed.

Tips for prospective students

Don't just hang around for four years without a plan! Even if you're not sure what you want to major in as a Freshman, you should know by the time you're a Sophomore. Academic Advisers can help, but your best bet is to take all your breadth classes (101's) straight away and then throw in a few experimental classes in your areas of interest to see if you'd like to pursue a career in that topic.

In three sentences

Central is a small school in Eastern Washington that is often overlooked in favor of UW or WSU. It shouldn't be: I received an excellent education (BS, Clinical Nutrition), and was accepted to Graduate School. Forget Pullman, Ellensburg will become your home away from home.

Billie-Jean

09/21/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

All over the campus are emergency call centers, so if ever there is an emergency you can always use the call centers. All call centers are in face visible from the other call centers. So if one is being stalked they do not have to worry about the campus police being unable to find them because they did not stay by the call center that they used.

Clubs and Activities

There are tons of sports clubs, language clubs, art clubs. There is a club for everything and if there is not a club for what you want then you can form that club.

Great for these types of students

Everyone, those who want to party and study. Those who only want to study and those who are going to college to get the experience.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

For freshmen there is a convocation the day before classes start. It is a ceremonial thing where freshmen dress up in the school gear and the professors wear their gowns and the freshmen or inducted into the school.

Bang for the buck

There are stores all around campus and coupons for discounts are constantly being offered and rewarded. A vast majority of the items offered in the stores are cheaper then other schools.

What to do for fun

There are many things to do for fun. Every Friday is free movies friday. There are comedians, football games, soccer games, and other sports. Students can go white river rafting or rock climbing, or just a simple dip in the pool if thats all the student wants.

Food and Dining

There are tons of locations and little cafes for the students to go eat at. The prices are not so expense that one is scrounging for money. They are convenient and the food is good, not like home cooked meals but close.

Dorm Life

The dorms are great. There is more then enough space for you and your roommate. Everyone else in the building will become like your family and you will feel like you never want to leave. Of course at some point you will have to.

Academic Rigor

Classes are important, but they are not so hard that it is difficult to keep up. The Professors are there and are extremely willing to help you as much as they are able.

Tips for prospective students

Always be yourself. No one will like the real you unless that is what you show them. Do not be afraid to try new things either. There is no one who will judge you.

In three sentences

Central is a college that makes one feel like they fit in. No one looks down on others. Central Washington University is a place where fun is encouraged, but it does not interfere with school work.

Zebediah from Ellensburg, WA

10/03/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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What to do for fun

The school is located in an area that is mostly desert which allows for warm beautiful summers and cold winters where winter sports can be enjoyed. The SURC has a gym for those who like to workout and a rock wall for those who like to partake in rock climbing activities. There are also plenty of on campus clubs and groups to.

Food and Dining

The Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) is where a majority of the freshman will spend their time dining and meeting new people. You can choose from any of the venues (pasta, salad, burritos, burgers, ice cream etc...) which allows for a well rounded diet or if you choose a poor diet. The staff is mostly students who are extremely friendly.

Dorm Life

Dorm life is one of the best and greatest opportunities that should be taken advantage of at CWU. It is an awesome opportunity to come out of your shell and meet new people from all walks of life. Living in the dorm was one of the best ways for me to meet friends and future classmates, as well as get comfortable with my surroundings.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor is strictly based on the teacher you have and the challenges they may or may not present for you. There are teachers that will challenge you with extreme amounts of reading, but there will be educators that will give you small amounts of work but will make you discover the answers to problems using a higher degree of thinking as well as analyzing.

Tips for prospective students

Communication is key as it is with multiple situations in life. Always check your email and keep organized as teachers lesson plans change throughout the quarters. It also is a good way to communicate with your fellow peers.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is the provides the perfect environment for education. With smaller class sixes it makes communication with your teachers and peers much more comfortable as well as laid back. There also are plenty of programs throughout campus that allow you to improve on your writing skills and resume for future job opportunities.

Robyn from Walla Walla, WA

10/26/2013

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus is protected by campus police, City of Ellensburg Police, and Kittitas county sheriffs. The campus has several emergency button posts that you can press if you feel that you are in an emergency and get help right away.

Greek Life

There are no sororities or fraternities on campus.

Clubs and Activities

There are over 100 clubs and intramurals at Central. If you can't find a club that fits you, you can get five of your friends and a teacher willing to sponsor, and you can start your own club, it's that easy.

Great for these types of students

People who are looking for a moderate sized college People who are looking for a place free from automatic judgement People who want a good education for less

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The campus has an anthropological museum that has multiple displays a year, an authentic Japanese garden located near the SURC, and many events and get-togethers throughout the year.

Bang for the buck

I think that schools like Central are the best deal for the amount of money spent. Freshman fees include dorm costs, a food plan, and tuition for very reasonable prices. Most classes are anywhere between 15 and 50 people, so there is a lot of personal communication with the teachers.

What to do for fun

Central has what is called the Student Union and Recreation Center, which includes a full size indoor track, ellipticals, weight sets, two basketball courts and a 20-foot rock climbing wall. In Ellensburg, where Central is located, there are plenty of fish and wildlife trails, great hiking trails up Manastash Ridge and the other outcroppings around the city, and plenty to do in town.

Food and Dining

The food at Central is amazing. The culinary students make everything from Chinese to burgers and fries to gourmet dinners.

Dorm Life

Unfortunately, I never stayed in a dorm, but from what I hear, it's a blast.

Academic Rigor

This school is on a quarter system, which means that it's fast-paced and ready to roll. If you like to buckle down and go rather than drag things out, this school is awesome. If you feel like you're falling behind, many of the teachers are willing to work with you to figure out a good way for you to learn the material. Other than that, it really depends on the the class and the teacher.

Tips for prospective students

Get all of your financial and registration paperwork done early. The more you procrastinate, the harder it will be for you to get aid and into the classes you want. Also, remember that this is not high school, you have to actually try to get a passing grade.

In three sentences

The staff at Central are very friendly and willing to work with their students. The campus is beautiful and well-maintained. The student aides and other student volunteers are very open and willing to talk with students or help them in any way they can.

Any student in which you will be getting a general degree. There is no reason to spend 10k more a year by going to WSU/UW for the same generic bachelors. They have a top notch Supply Chain management course though.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

No first hand experience since I live off campus.

Bang for the buck

Compared to the time, energy and value CWU definitely stands out as a great back for the buck in comparison.

What to do for fun

No first hand experience since I live off campus.

Food and Dining

No first hand experience since I live off campus, but I have visited the campus enough to say it is satisfactory.

Dorm Life

No first hand experience since I live off campus, but I have visited friends dorms and they are standard.

Academic Rigor

It is difficult like any college degree but manageable. The best distinction between other colleges and CWU I have found is how much due diligence they get in getting the right professors and faculty to support us.

Tips for prospective students

Do the leg work. I find myself always to be putting forth effort into getting the most out of the college experience. It is you whom must put in the time to get the best results for you. I have been guilty of sitting back and waiting for things to happen but after attending college for many years I find myself gaining more and more value by putting in the effort.

In three sentences

If I were to sum up CWU in three words I would say they are flexible, effective, and affordable. These days flexibility and affordability are major needs for students from various backgrounds.

Amy from Ellensburg, WA

01/29/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

CWU Campus Police keeps me feeling safe every quarter! I have taken Winter courses, late at night, and felt secure walking through campus, in the dark, due to the campus enforcement. The campus is also well lit, and it's attendees are mighty friendly!

Clubs and Activities

As I had mentioned above, I am the President of SWEA, the Student Washington Education Association. :) This club provides many professional development opportunities, and partakes in community outreach. Other clubs on campus range from the Happiness Club, to an African American Pride Club, to a Gay-Straight Alliance club! Clubs attend a club fair every year, and attract students of diverse backgrounds, and encourage students to get involved!

Great for these types of students

CWU is great for ALL students. :)

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

One beautiful location at CWU is the Japanese Garden. It includes many Japanese flowers, and plants, a river, and is just really peaceful to walk through, or even sit and do your homework in!

What to do for fun

CWU provides many on campus activities, and clubs! I am currently the President of the Student Washington Education Association, play Intramural Volleyball, and have volunteered at functions planned by the Civic Engagement Center, such as BOO CENTRAL, and Holiday Extravaganza. I also spend a lot of my time at the CWU Recreation Center! There's a rock climbing wall here: How cool is that???? Off campus attractions include downtown shopping, rodeo, art galleries, bowling, and many, many bars. :)

Food and Dining

On, and off campus dining are both delicious! El Gato in the SURC, is byfar, my favorite on campus restaurant! :) These places also provide student employment, which is great for us broke college kids! :)

Dorm Life

Dorm life, is dorm life. I never experienced it, because I transferred to CWU from a Community College my Junior year. I did, however, hear good, and bad reviews. I have heard from so many people who were dorm-residents that they met their best friend(s) in the dorms. I have also heard, however, that sharing a bathroom with 16 other girls is tough. But you can do it! :)

Academic Rigor

I feel as though many courses challenge students. However, some courses of lower credits (I.E. 3 credit, or 1 credit courses) are a lot more work than expected. Sometimes these courses seem to throw a 5 credit workload on their students. At the end of the course, however, students often feel proud, and motivated to continue in the given program. :)

Tips for prospective students

If you are interested in the college, it's a wonderful choice! You will meet lifelong friends here, as well as be affected by engaging, student-centered professors. The college offers many programs, but we are most known for our Education, Law Enforcement, and Business/Finance programs. Don't doubt yourself in succeeding at this college, and,or, in finding friends. :)

In three sentences

Central Washington University has wonderful facilitators, advisers, and student programs. I have met so many wonderful people, in my courses, as well as in campus activities, and clubs. This college is student-centered, and provides students with equal opportunity, and motivation for success. :)

Jessica from Bainbridge Island, WA

02/23/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Food and Dining

The food closes early on the weekends and doesn't open until the afternoon.

Dorm Life

I am a 19 year old girl living in a hall of all girls, some days it really sucks because there is drama. I've switched roommates this year and I am now living with my best friend. Once you find your group its smooth sailing, but the challenge is finding the right people for you.

Academic Rigor

If you attend class, ask questions, and take good notes the classes are not too difficult to get A's in.

Emily from Sammamish, WA

we have a great campus safety. i see the CAT (courtesy assistant team) team around all of the time at night. and there are polices officers on call, not just the town police but campus police as well.

Greek Life

we do not have a greek life, however we have different clubs that you can join to meet other people

What to do for fun

be apart of a Living Learning community. i am part of the Music LLC and it is an absolute blast. Go out and join a club or go around the dorm and socialize with people around you.

Food and Dining

the food is just ok. there are not very many healthy options. lots of burgers, fries and tater tots, but not very many vegetables and fruits. the food gets old after a while eating the same thing over and over.

Dorm Life

i love living in a dorm. we have such great community and are all really open with each other. we all really get along for the most part as well.

Academic Rigor

depending on your major the academic load is different. as a music major, you are taking up to nine or ten classes a quarter, and have between 12 and 18 credits. its a lot of work but really fun.

Tips for prospective students

I definitely recommend Central Washington University. It is a great school, wonderful campus, staff, and students. great facility overall.

In three sentences

I love Central Washington University. I am in the Music Program there, and it is absolutely amazing. I am looking for scholarships because i know that the Music program will take me at least five years to complete my bachelors degree.

The weather is a little crazy because its always windy and in the winter its extremely cold with snow. The summers are hot and nice with the Yakima river right near by the float down. The academics are great you will learn a lot.

Christine from Ellensburg, WA

Central is great for students who like individual attention and having professors that aren't even in your majors department care about you and how you're doing

What to do for fun

There are many activities on and off campus. Our recreational center has great out doors trips, a great gym with work out classes, and a rock wall. You can float the river, bike, hike, and walk around town. Visit Peoples pond in the spring- beginning of fall. CWU is in Ellensburg so many activities include the great out doors.

In three sentences

Central is a great University with wonderful teachers and great classes. The campus is beautiful and Central is known for their amazing music program. It is a great place to learn and grow in your field of study.

Alpha Kappa PSi is a business fraturnity on campus that is great for potentail business major and non business majors

What to do for fun

Camping, partying, movies, sports

Food and Dining

Okay but restraunts and cooking for your self offer a lot more variety and healthier food

Dorm Life

Live off Campus cant give an accurate rating or review

Academic Rigor

Lower division classes are fairly easy take an overload, work along with classes while your young. Get ahead and dont be the 5 year college student.

Tips for prospective students

Get involved in clubs and go out and explore town, you will be board if you don't.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is a great small university that is recognized for their Teaching, Music, Theater, Aviation, Accounting and College of business Programs. Central is located only two hours away from the big city of Seattle offering a great weekend trip home or a weekend trip to the city. Ellensburg is a great small town with lots of festivals and cute downtown filled with stores.

Mountain Girl

Play outside, the pond is always a good time, theres tons of parks, and basketball courts all around. Everything is within a few miles so its easy to walk everywhere.

Dorm Life

The old dorms are like death, but its super fun and you get used to it. Its super convenient and you meet a ton of people.

Academic Rigor

Pick your major wisely, Central kicked my butt in Biology, but I was able to graduate in 3 years. I worked so hard and feel ready for the real world, its all about what you make it.

Tips for prospective students

Stay focused, and don't forget this experience is about you. Use your resources wisely. The faculty are readily available to help students and the advising is only good if you use it! Also, don't become friends with people who want to party monday through sunday, you're going to go out, but make it once or twice a week, and do not drink to black out, learn how to be social and stay in control.

Noelle from Olympia, WA

The campus police are always nearby and there are police-call stations all over campus. Even walking at night is peaceful and safe feeling.

Bang for the buck

Every college seems expensive, but CWU is one of the cheaper universities in the state and you really get a lot for your money. It's a wonderful campus with professors that really care about their students' success.

What to do for fun

There are always campus and dorm events if you pay attention. There is also rock climbing, open mic, close to skiing, and downtown is a cute and fun place to adventure around.

Food and Dining

The meal plans and discounts are awesome. They have two main dining halls that are full of different and delicious choices. I've never had an issue with the food.

Dorm Life

It is what you make of it. The older dorms aren't the most comfortable, but they have some charm to them, and the dorm community is always welcoming and great for making friends.

Academic Rigor

If you are truly invested in your education, the professors will make sure you are learning what you need to be prepared for your careers.

Tips for prospective students

Prepare for the wind! And bring some snow boots as well. Other than that, just know where you're going and enjoy everything Central has to offer! Not enough people take advantage of the amenities.

In three sentences

CWU is a pleasant surprise in a small town. It's a beautiful campus with quality classes and professors. Aside from the wind, it's an awesome school.

Malia from University Place, WA

11/03/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

The campus safety is of the biggest concern for many students and Central does an amazing job in making sure that each student feels safe. Central police are constantly patrolling around the campus to ensure everyones general safety and there is also a team or groups of people that you are able to call if need be. These students are there to help you if you do not feel safe walking alone at night to or from different places along the campus and help you get to your destination quickly and as safe as possible. Finally, there are emergency stands all around the campus so that you can hit the button and it will immediately notify the campus police and they will be to your location within a minute or two to help with any situation.

Greek Life

Central does not have a greek system. To many students they wish there was a greek system, but there are many students that also find that central does not need a greek system because it can tend to make people be forced into hanging out only with people from their same sorority or fraternity.

Clubs and Activities

Central offers many different clubs and activities to nearly suit every students needs, and if there is not a club that you want to join, you can create your own. There is also a wide array of intramural sports that each student can join if they are not able to or do not want to play at the schools higher level for that sport. All in all, Central continuously brings out new activities for the students so that they can always get involved and fulfill the best college experience one can get.

Bang for the buck

The price to attend as a full time student and live on campus is much more affordable than other universities and they even offer meal plans and very low costs for the gym. With the several different meal plans, you are given a 65% discount at all of the dining locations as well as in the convenience store and at the espresso stand. On the other hand, the gym is open for all students and even though it is included into your overall fees and tuition whether you will actually go to the gym or not, there are many different choices in the gym to fully enhance each students work out.Central really utilizes each students money to the best of their benefit.

What to do for fun

There are always different activities on campus that are provided for the students throughout the year to get people more involved. In addition to the activities, Central also has a place where you can rent a raft or even a paddle board for a the day and go river rafting with some friends or family. To provide a fun late night option for the students, there is Monday Movie Madness in the student union center on the second floor in the theatre where they play a different movie each week for students to go and watch for free if they please.

Food and Dining

Central has several different options for food and dining. There are an abundance of choices for food and dining so that you do not have to eat the exact same thing each day. In addition to the options for food, Central has different drink and espresso stands and even a convenience store on campus so that you do not have to make a trip over to Fred Meyers or Safeway every time you need something. Each of the dining venues do a very good job with providing daily and weekly specials so you can even switch up your meal option from the every day options.

Dorm Life

The dorm life at Central is an important factor of the entire college experience. Being able to meet new people and come together as one community within each of the dorms are key factors to living in the dorms. In all of the dorms there are Residence Hall Advisors and they help answer any questions you may have, put together events within your dorm, as well as keep everyone up to date with different events and activities that go on throughout the year.

Academic Rigor

The academic rigor at Central is around three stars. The work load is very much manageable even if you are participating in sports or clubs; however, you have to manage your time and do not procrastinate. The professors at Central are generally understanding with certain circumstances, but it is very essential to your academic year that you clearly read the syllabus because each professor may have a different policy for something like absences.

Tips for prospective students

A major tip for anyone that plans to go to Central, or any college for that matter, is to be willing to go that extra mile and expand your horizon. Central has several different events and clubs that help the students to get involved, but as a student you have to be willing enough to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people and participate in these events. In doing so, you will realize that your whole college experience will be a lot more enjoyable and that you do not feel the need to go home every single weekend.

In three sentences

Central Washington University is a very diverse school and has several different activities or clubs that the students are able to be apart of. Additionally, Central has hundreds of different options for a possible major and allows each student to be able to find and take classes that will help them decide their major. Finally, life as a Central Wildcat has been one of a kind and everyone works to help each individual student benefit in the long run.

Austin from Henderson, NV

12/22/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

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Campus Safety

I was actually scared for my safety leaving my familiar home. but then I I got here and I feel safer than ever before. the police have a visible presence and are friendly. they have the most high tech security systems. and the smaller town has very low crime. I have walke around in the dead of night there plenty of times and felt completely safe.

Bang for the buck

This place has become my home in such a short time. I am so lucky that I was able to come to such a welcoming community. and that is worth all the money in the world to me. if your looking for a place to be happy, this is where you should choose. because everything about this central makes you wish you came sooner

What to do for fun

The obvious stuff is around like a movie theater or the comic shop. but there is also regular events. we bring bands and celebrities on campus often. we have a club for everything you could imagine. then we have things like the huge outdoor obstacle course and the rock the rock climbing wall. you can always find stuff to do whenever your bored. just look at one of the bulletin boards

Food and Dining

My best advice is to get the food plan. even if you decide to live off campus. the food at the SURC is amazing and diverse. they have everything from old fashion burgers and fries to exotic stuff like sushi and Italian pasta. they have a pizza place, a Mexican food place, the pasta place, a dessert corner (ice cream is to die for), and a sandwich place. then next too all that is the huge buffe that has something diferent everynight. and all of this is in the same building right in the middle of campus. they have resturaunts all over campus too if you just want to walk across the street from your class or dorm. 10 out of 10

Dorm Life

I wouldn't trade my dorm family for anything. we have bonded closer in the short time than I have with anybody. The Resident hall advisors are all well trained students and understand what living there is like. but will also lay down the law when it is needed. they put on events for each dorm regularly and those are always a blast to attend. you will quickly make friends if you want to. the dorms also have full staffed maintenance and cleaning. they keep the dorms in good shape.

Academic Rigor

The classes are fully self contained. you can just take a single course on any of the topics and get a pretty good grasp on the subject. and the tuition for all the classes are the same no matter how many you take. so you can take a large amount of classes per quarter if you wanted. or if you have a only a few harder classes to focus on. The professors are all willing to help. they all have open hours and have been welcome to one on one help. especially if you get caught behind in some areas.

Tips for prospective students

This school is more than just a learning institute. if you just make small talk with anybody working there, they can help you with any problem you need. all you need to do is ask. and if you don't know what problems you have, there is somebody that can help you with that too. whether it is from grades to personal stuff. there is always a friend right around the corner

In three sentences

Central Washington University has given me the most welcoming experience in my life. The school has handled all my problems with sincerely and professionally. I actively encourage people from all walks of life to become a Wild Cat

Chantel from Colville, WA

The campus has a CAT team which will escort you to and from classes when called. Also, there are emergency towers all over campus that have a 90 second response time from cmapus and Ellensburg police.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The Bite of the Burg happens the first week or so after move in day. It is basically a big festival where all the shops downtown group together on a street to give all the new students information to what businesses are here and maybe a coupon or two. Free samples are also a big part!

Bang for the buck

A lot of the things are over priced in the school, printing is an example. However, tuition and room & board are significantly cheaper when compared to other universities.

What to do for fun

Although there isn't much to do in Ellensburg, the university tries to put together activities like Monday Movie Madness where a new film is played every Monday night in the Student Union Recreation Center.

Food and Dining

The dining services do a wonderful job at CWU. There are plenty of options that range in food variety and the setting in which you get them. For example, part of it looks like a mall food court and the other is the equivalent to a school cafeteria.

Dorm Life

Most of the dorms on campus are outdated and need some serious updating. However, the smaller residence halls make for a closer knit community.

Academic Rigor

The classes expect there to be 4 hours of homework per credit every week and that is pretty close to what you can expect.

Tips for prospective students

The first couple weeks entering school here will be tough when trying to navigate to classes and dealing with being away from home. However, most of the students are eager to assist in navigation and the residence halls have good programs to make living arrangements more comfortable.

In three sentences

I think Central Washington University is an excellent school. The classes are relatively small and the Help Center is always willing to help above and beyond the professors. On top of the quality education, the campus itself is gorgeous.

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